The Language of Popular Science - Analyzing the Communication of Advanced Ideas to Lay Readers

If you read (or write) popular science, you might sometimes wonder: how do the authors manage to make subjects that once put you to sleep in science class both so entertaining and approachable? The use of language is key.
Based on analyses of popular science bestsellers, this linguistic study shows how expert popularizers use the voices and narratives of scientists to engage readers, demonstrating the power of science and portraying researchers as champions of knowledge. By doing so they often blur the lines between nonfiction and fiction, inviting readers to take part in thought experiments and turn ordinary scientists into omnipotent heroes.

List of contents

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Preface

Introduction: Popular Science

¿1.¿A Linguist Looks at Popular Science

¿2.¿Personal Narratives

¿3.¿Narratives of Discovery: Explanation Made Easy

¿4.¿Narratives and Ideology: What's in a Structure?

¿5.¿What They Say: Speech of Scientists

¿6.¿What They Imagine Is Possible: Thoughts of Scientists

¿7.¿Literature and Limericks: Writing in Popular Science

¿8.¿Definitions: Types and Methods

¿9.¿Interacting with Readers through Definition

10.¿The Fictionalized Reader

11.¿Lab Lit: Fictional Science

Conclusion: Professional Science and Popular Science

Epilogue

Sources

Index

About the author

Olga A. Pilkington is an assistant professor of English at Dixie State University, St. George, Utah.

Product details

• Authors: Olga A. Pilkington
• Publisher: Ingram Publishers Services
• Languages: English
• Age Recommendation: from age 18
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 09.01.2019
• EAN: 9781476672533
• ISBN: 978-1-4766-7253-3
• No. of pages: 196
• Dimensions: 152 mm x 229 mm x 10 mm
• Weight: 268 g
• Illustrations: Raster,schwarz-weiss
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > Other languages / Other literatures; PHILOSOPHY / General, Linguistics, popular science, SCIENCE / General, Philosophy, LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Linguistics / General, LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Communication Studies, Communication Studies