Towards a grammar of ecocultural identity

Stibbe, Arran ORCID: 0000-0002-3854-9854 (2020) Towards a grammar of ecocultural identity. In: Routledge Handbook of Ecocultural Identity. Routledge International Handbooks . Routledge, pp. 416-430. ISBN 9781138478411

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Abstract

This chapter explores linguistic devices which are used to perform ecocultural identities, defined as identities which include consideration of not just humans but also other species and the wider ecological systems that sustain life. Of the many possible ecocultural identities available some have the power to influence people to care and protect other species and the ecosystems that life depends on, and these are considered to be ‘positive’. The chapter analyses language features in the book Land of the spotted eagle by Luther Standing Bear in the search for language features which help to instantiate positive ecocultural identities. The methodology used is an adaptation of Positive Discourse Analysis, where texts are analysed for features that align with the values system (or ecosophy) of the analyst. The linguistic devices described in the chapter include metaphor, appraisal patterns, agency, pronoun use and semantic inclusion. The purpose of Positive Discourse Analysis is to describe linguistic features which could be selectively combined, with careful consideration of the context, to promote particular value systems; in this case to promote care for humans, other species, and wider ecological systems.

Item Type:	Book Section
Additional Information:	Chapter 25
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Ecolinguistics; Ecocultural; Identity; Ecology; Communication; Environment; Linguistics; Discourse analysis; Positive discourse analysis; REF2021
Subjects:	P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General)
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Creative Arts
Research Priority Areas:	Culture, Continuity, and Transformation
Depositing User:	Anne Pengelly
Date Deposited:	09 Dec 2019 10:43
Last Modified:	31 Aug 2023 08:54
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/7757

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