‘Symbolic Power’ in the Official Covid-19 Field and Language

Authors

  • Costas S. Constantinou University of Nicosia Medical School

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37467/gkarevhuman.v11.3080

Keywords:

Covid-19, SARS-CoV-2, Symbolic power, Bourdieu, Discourse, Pandemics

Abstract

The covid-19 pandemic caused countries around the globe to take measures, and to construct a specific set of language to talk about the virus. The present discussion paper aims to unpack this language based on Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of ‘symbolic power’, and social observations. The analysis indicates that the covid-19 field was formulated where an official language was produced, including scientific, war, enforcement and censorship linguistic practices. The paper discusses why there is not one covid-19 field and linguistic practice, causing a diversity of understanding the pandemic. The paper opens new directions in studies of language on public health threats.

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Published

2022-01-31

How to Cite

S. Constantinou, C. (2022). ‘Symbolic Power’ in the Official Covid-19 Field and Language. HUMAN REVIEW. International Humanities Review / Revista Internacional De Humanidades, 11(1), 105–116. https://doi.org/10.37467/gkarevhuman.v11.3080

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 1 (2022): Special Issue "Science and Religion: Reflections on the Thought of Charles S. Peirce"

Section

Critical reflection articles

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