Ecolinguistic Analysis of Environmental Discourse in Pakistani Print and Digital Media

Abstract

The objective of the current research is to conduct an ecolinguistic analysis of the Pakistani print and digital media, focusing on the discourse around the environment, its coverage, representation, and the way it engages the public. The language patterns, metaphors and framing used in magazines, newspapers, and websites regarding climate change, deforestation, water shortage and pollution have been analyzed through critical discourse analysis (CDA). It also attempts to analyze the prevailing and counter narratives—such as anthropocentrism versus ecocentrism; and examine their impact on discourse and policy formulation on the environment in Pakistan. The key findings of the study suggest that the media serves as the primary conduit for the emergence of the environmental issue, but politically and economically constructed messages for the environment often undermine the media’s responsibility towards nature. The research suggests that there is a necessity to reorient the media language and discourse to support ecological sustainability. The study serves as a basis in developing an understanding of ecolinguistics in the contexts of Pakistan's media and provides some suggestions on how journalists and policymakers may adjust their discourses to be more environmental friendly.