Linguistic Circle
Speaker: Lane Greene (The Economist; winner of the Linguistic Society of America’s 2017 Journalism Award)
Title: Leading the Blind: How to talk to journalists about linguistics
Abstract: Journalists write about language frequently; they find it fascinating, as for them it is a way to write about their own chief tool for doing their jobs. Unfortunately, they often write sensationalistically and inaccurately. This talk will look at the features of journalism that make this so - the education of journalists, the structure of newsrooms, deadline pressure, economic forces encouraging "clickbait", and others. It will tentatively suggest ways in which linguists can anticipate problems in explaining their work to journalists in individual interviews, and perhaps even forge a better long-term relationship with the press.
Further information
Linguistic Society of America 2017 award for linguistics journalism
Contact details
Linguistic Circle
Lecture Theatre 1, 7 Bristo Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9AL