Smallman, M;
(2019)
Language, Power and Public Engagement.
In: Gruber, D, (ed.)
Routledge Handbook of Language and Science.
Routledge: Abingdon, Oxfordshire.
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Abstract
In the early twenty-first century we have seen a shift in science communication from explaining science to the public to ‘engaging’ the public in discussions and debate. In this chapter, I will argue that moving to dialogue and public engagement has to be understood as a shift in power, not just in communication. Drawing on my recent research comparing the discourses and vocabulary within public and expert discussions of science and technology in the UK over the past ten years, I describe how key features of the public vocabulary work to undermine the power of public perspectives, making them appear non-rational, emotional, and easily influenced. At the same time rhetorical devices within the expert discussions have the effect of adding power to the scientific viewpoints and framing public discussions in a way that gives the public little choice but to support the scientific narrative of progress being presented to them.
| Type: | Book chapter |
|---|---|
| Title: | Language, Power and Public Engagement |
| ISBN-13: | 9780815382683 |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| DOI: | 10.4324/9781351207836 |
| Publisher version: | https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351207836 |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher's terms and conditions. |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences > Dept of Science and Technology Studies |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10138031 |
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