The Role of Language in the Environmental Movement: A Comparative Discourse Analysis of Spanish and English through an Ecolinguistics Framework

This study focuses on the role of language in producing and encouraging environmental frameworks and attitudes. Research within this sphere aims to determine the capacity of discourse analysis in influencing ecosophy. Within the current Anthropocene exist a variety of ideologies that shape human interaction with the environment. This paper considers an ecolinguistics framework with which to compare the linguistic structure and lexicon of two widespread languages, Spanish and English, through a comparative literature review. It takes a linguistic relativity approach to discourse analysis, examining the way in which corresponding environmental articles, written in Spanish and English, diverge. Findings within the scope of this research suggest that Spanish and English discourse differ substantially with regard to descriptions of agency, urgency, and pronouns, important components in the creation of ecological frameworks. Agency, urgency, and pronoun usage have the power to create a space in which the reader has a deeper connection with, and a more empathetic role regarding, the natural world. They also contribute to a heightened sense of perceived actionability. The results of this analysis illustrate how ecolinguistics can be used in future research and in sparking social action through intentional language use and messaging within the environmental movement.