Viral Language: Analysing the Covid-19 Pandemic in Public Discourse

Viral Language examines how the Covid-19 pandemic was communicated through public communication, using linguistic theory to explore how experiences of health and illness were shaped by political messaging, scientific research, news articles, and advertising. It provides practical guidance on conducting investigations using social media texts, analyzing metaphor, tracking language innovation, and working with text and images.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 198 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Viral Language delves into the diverse realm of public communication, exploring its discourse on the COVID-19 pandemic as a means to investigate health communication. The authors introduce and employ a diverse array of approaches rooted in linguistic theory to examine the multifaceted experiences of the pandemic across various public contexts. By doing so, they unveil how political messaging, scientific research, news articles, and advertising shape perceptions of health and illness.

Through a series of in-depth case studies centered around COVID-related texts, the authors examine various aspects of language instruction, information, and innovation. These case studies showcase the broad spectrum of topics that can be explored within the realm of health communication, providing practical guidance on conducting investigations using social media texts, analyzing metaphor, tracking language innovation, and effectively working with text and images.

Viral Language serves as a vital resource for postgraduate and upper-level undergraduate students specializing in applied linguistics and health communication. It offers insightful perspectives and practical methodologies that enhance their understanding of the complex interplay between language, health, and society.

Weight: 326g
Dimension: 157 x 234 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367756666