AN ECOLINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF FLOOD FRAMING IN SELECTED NIGERIAN NEWSPAPER REPORTS
Abstract
Ecolinguistic researches unearth the deeply embedded linguistic choices in discourses utilized to address ecological issues. One particular way to achieve this is through the analysis of frames. Frames centre on the various ways ecological events are portrayed which reveal and influence the perceptions and reactions towards them. This present study therefore, carries out an ecolinguistic analysis of the framing of flood events in the 2018-2021 publications of five Nigerian National Newspapers. Using insights from Frame Analysis theory and Ecolinguistic Framework for Frame Analysis, the twenty purposively sampled data were given a qualitative analysis revealing how the concept of flooding as well as its problem solution is framed. The results reveal that, inferences from the SOURCE FRAMES of ANGRY BEING, LANDLORD, EMPLOYER, ECONOMIC VALUE, PROJECTILE, PURPOSIVE MOVEMENT, etc. have been adopted to describe flooding and its activities. The different actors’ perceptions of flooding through these frames evoke the urgency and necessity required to solve the problem. It is concluded in this research that, the use of such flood frames in these newspapers aptly capture the perception of flooding and its activities in Nigeria, which is capable of influencing the needed positive reactions and actions towards flood control, management as well as environmental protection in general.
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