Cultural Linguistics and Environmental Discourse: A Review of Language in the Context of Climate Change

Abstract

The increasing urgency of the climate crisis has prompted scholars across disciplines to explore how language shapes environmental understanding and collective action. This review article examines the role of Cultural Linguistics in interpreting and constructing environmental discourse within the context of climate change. Drawing on research from eco-linguistics, discourse analysis, and cultural semiotics, this paper synthesizes how linguistic systems encode cultural models, metaphors, and narratives that influence human attitudes toward the environment. The analysis reveals that climate change discourse is deeply embedded in cultural cognition and values, where linguistic expressions such as “Mother Earth,” “carbon footprint,” or “climate emergency” embody specific moral and ideological orientations. Furthermore, the study highlights how cultural schemas and conceptual metaphors contribute to either fostering ecological awareness or perpetuating environmental indifference. By integrating theories from Cultural Linguistics and critical discourse analysis, the review underscores the importance of culturally grounded communication strategies in promoting sustainable behavior and environmental justice. It concludes that understanding climate change through the lens of language and culture offers valuable insights for interdisciplinary climate communication, policy framing, and educational practices. Future research is recommended to expand cross-cultural comparisons and to develop linguistic frameworks that can better represent local ecological wisdoms and global sustainability narratives.