Genetically Modified Language: The Discourse of Arguments for GM Crops and Food

The GM debate is a war of words, which will be won as much by persuasive argument, as by action in the lab, field or supermarket. As the argument intensifies and the voices on all sides get louder,Genetically Modified Languagecuts through the confusion and controversy to unpick the issues and ideology at the heart of the debate. Examining the particular discourses of the key players in the arena, from the media to politicians, NGOs to Biotech corporations and research scientists to farmers, Guy Cook presents a critical analysis of the language of the GM debate, and how it influences policy and opinion. Each perspective has its own discourse and this can lead to misunderstanding and disagreement. Participants whose opinions are based around scientific, commercial, ethical or political concerns adopt differing styles of argument, metaphors and analogies, phrases and single words, and these can have quite different effects when they cross discoursal boundaries. Written in a clear,

Guy Cook is Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Reading.