Analyzing the environmental discourse in the Iranian press within the framework of Laclau and Mouffe's approach (Case study: The Micro-dust crisis in ‘Iran’ newspaper)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PH.D. Student, Department of English Language, Islamic Azad University Kermanshah branch, Kermanshah, Iran

2 Faculty member, UOK

3 Azad University

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the environmental discourse of Iran's newspaper regarding the topic of Micro-dust. The research data consists of materials published in the first half of 2022 concerning the Micro-dust crisis in the mentioned newspaper. The research methodology is descriptive-analytical, and the data are analyzed within the framework of Laclau and Mouffe's (1985) critical discourse analysis approach. The findings of the study reveal that the "foreign origin of Micro-dust" is the nodal point in this discourse, playing a fundamental and pivotal role in the articulation of the discourse. In addition to this central signifier, other key signifiers include "cooperation with neighboring countries" and "international collaborations," "lack of domestic and intra-national solutions," "strengthening the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," "weakening the role of the environmental organization," and "non-cooperation of neighboring countries," all of which are dependent on the central signifier. The empty signifiers in this discourse are "practical solutions" and "environmental justice" for which specific referents cannot be identified. The signifier "physical and mental health of the people" is a floating signifier that the discourse has attempted to employ in relation to Micro-dust for its own benefit. Furthermore, this discourse presents neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Turkey and Syria as “Otherness” portraying them as the source of the Micro-dust crisis.

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References

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Linguistic Studies: Theory and Practice
Volume 3, Issue 1 - Serial Number 5
Spring 2024
June 2024
Pages 55-84

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History

  • Receive Date: 28 February 2024
  • Revise Date: 10 April 2024
  • Accept Date: 14 April 2024

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