Abstract
The present paper examines the use of metadiscourse in the realisation of incivility in TV news discourse. We take empirical data from a UK Channel 4 News interview between TV journalist and author Cathy Newman and clinical psychologist and author Professor Jordan Peterson. Adopting a discourse analytic approach, five aspects of incivility are presented: intolerant response; ideological entrenchment; low oppositional literacy; the need to win; and, change of opinion condemnation. We show how metadiscourse is used to manifest incivility in a number of ways including to prioritise the current speaker's foci over those of the interlocutor; to express metalingual commentary which negatively characterises the interlocutor's discourse; and, to express discourse norms which undermine the open exchange of ideas. We conclude by suggesting recommendations for future research.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 100367 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1-9 |
| Journal | Discourse, Context and Media |
| Volume | 33 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Mar 2020 |
Keywords
- Civil discourse
- Incivility
- Metadiscourse
- Metadiscursive targets
- TV news
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cultural Studies
- Communication