The search for new narratives to live by: A summary of ten ecolinguistics leactures deliverd by Arran Stibbe
What does the research say?
This article summarizes ten ecolinguistics lectures by Arran Stibbe at Beijing Foreign Studies University. The lectures explore how language shapes our understanding of the environment, examining various linguistic tools like ideology, evaluation, and narrative. Stibbe argues that harmful environmental narratives must be replaced with stories that promote ecological responsibility. The lectures analyze diverse texts, from political discourse to advertising and literature, illustrating how language either supports or undermines environmental sustainability. Ultimately, the work advocates for an ecolinguistic approach to foster a more environmentally conscious society.
Why is it important?
If language shapes our understanding of the environment, then becoming mindful of language use is critical in promoting and fostering a more harmonious and reciprocal relationship between man and the natural world.
What are the implications for education?
For educators, Stibbe’s lectures stress the importance of becoming aware how language – the words and metaphors we use, even the grammar and hidden messages embedded in language – shape how we see nature and the world around us. But the goal of the lectures goes beyond awareness of linguistic tools. One implication for education is to empower educators to teach their students about how language shapes message which is a form of critical literacy. Another implication for education is to develop a more discerning use of learning resources, namely narratives that promote positive “ecocultural identities” and in which language promotes ecological sustainability.
About the author
Arran Stibbe is Professor of Ecological Linguistics at the University of Gloucestershire, Gloucester, England. He is the founder of the International Ecolinguistics Association, which has more than 1100 members. Stibbe’s scholarship focuses on how language makes us who we are as people, and the role of language in building the kind of society we live in. He has analyzed the discursive construction of health, illness, animals, masculinity, the environment, and disability.
His areas of teaching include communication for leadership, language and ethics, identity. ecolinguistics, and critical discourse analysis. He has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship for excellence in teaching. In collaboration with his students, Stibbe developed and produced the free online course The Stories we live by. He is currently developing a sequel to that course: New stories to live by.
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