Corpus-Assisted Ecolinguistics

Description

Corpus-Assisted Ecolinguistics introduces and integrates key research concepts, principles and techniques in ecolinguistics and corpus-assisted discourse study, answering foundational questions for researchers new to the discipline and asserting the urgent need to expand its scope. Breaking new ground, the book analyzes under-explored environmental discourses that have a tangible impact on ecological wellbeing and sustainability by perpetuating harmful attitudes, practices and ideologies. Chapters present in-depth case studies, including an analysis of the evolving representations of wilderness, an eco-stylistic analysis of a popular novel, and an investigation of the use of humor in reports on animal escapes from slaughterhouses. The studies employ a range of corpus analysis techniques to show how ecological degradation and crisis have become normalized, and even trivialized, in popular discourse but also spaces where positive discourse practices are present. By applying tools from corpus linguistics to a diverse range of environmental discourses, this book makes a significant contribution to advancing the field of ecolinguistics.

Robert Poole is Assistant Professor in Applied Linguistics and TESOL at the University of Alabama, USA.

This text aims to expand the scope of ecolinguistic scholarship. At its heart are several valuable case studies. The case studies apply a variety of corpus-assisted methods and tools to the analysis of text types which are often overlooked as sources of ecolinguistic insight. Yet, Dr Poole demonstrates that such analyses can be extremely productive. Readers with interests in environmental studies, ecolinguistics, corpus linguistics, and/or discourse studies can find inspiration in this book. -- Shannon Fitzsimmons-Doolan, Associate Professor, Texas A&M Corpus Christi, USA This wide ranging book includes copious examples of both existing research and original investigations. With careful attention to theory and method throughout, Poole presents an impressive overview of different areas of study, clearly illustrating the potential for a complementary relationship between ecolinguistics and corpus-assisted discourse analysis. -- Alison Sealey, Professor Emerita of Applied Linguistics, Lancaster University, UK