title: Media framing of complex issues: The case of endangered languages.
abstract: This study investigates how media frame a global trend that is complex in nature, emergent in terms of scientific understanding, and has public policy implications: the rapid disappearance of languages. It analyzes how English-language media from 15 western, industrialized countries frame the causes and implications of endangered languages over 35 years (1971-2006) - a time period notable for growing, interdisciplinary concerns over the potential negative impacts of losing the world's linguistic diversity. The results reveal a media discourse characterized by three complementary frames that are sympathetic to the plight of endangered languages, but that present the problem, its cause, and societal implications in a logical structure that would promote public complacency.
authors.affiliation: University of Washington, USA.
authors.forename: Nancy K
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Rivenburgh
keywords: endangered languages; global issues; media frames; media logic; science journalism