Framing Environmental Narratives in the Documentary A Life on Our Planet Earth: An Ecolinguisic Study Using Genre Analysis

Abstract

Documentaries about Climate Change are important for creating a greater awareness of the issues, both in terms of the environment and ethics of environmental issues. This research examines the ways in which a documentary A Life on Our Planet by Attenborough (2020) utilizes linguistic methods as well as documentary methods to convey ecological concerns. The research is guided by an ecolinguistic perspective Stibbe (2015) and documentary genre perspective Nichols (2010). In addition to conducting a qualitative content analysis of the subtitle transcript, the research also examined the use of framing, metaphor, and the expository documentary form. Generally, this research demonstrated that through the combination of Attenborough's authoritative voice and the construction of information and evidence through structured sequences of information, Attenborough creates persuasive arguments regarding ecological crises, human dependence upon nature, and limits of resources. Additionally, the inclusion of linguistic devices within the expository form enables viewers to understand and reflect ethically upon the data presented in the film and demonstrates how documentary films can convert scientific data into compelling stories. This research adds to our knowledge of ecolinguistics and documentary studies by demonstrating how the intersection of language and genre influence environmental communication.