title: The rumouring of SARS during the 2003 epidemic in China.
abstract: By analysing rumour content as covered by major Chinese newspapers, this article explores the multiple dimensions of SARS-related rumouring throughout China during the 2003 epidemic. Findings indicate a strong correlation between the scale of SARS infections and level of rumour activities across regions. As for channels of dissemination, the rumour process still found a natural habitat in word of mouth, while internet-based platforms and cell phone text messaging emerged as viable grapevines. Our particular typology of SARS-incurred rumours leads us to identify four distinct types of rumours: legendary rumours; aetiological narratives; proto-memorates; and bogies. The four types of rumours are discussed against the background of superstitious beliefs, folklore practices, popular mentalities, and China's particular socio-political information environment.
authors: School of Journalism and Telecommunications, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0042, United States. ztai2@uky.edu
authors: Zixue
authors: Z
authors: Tai
authors: Tao
authors: T
authors: Sun
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