COGNITIVE-SEMANTIC FEATURES OF LINGUISTIC IMAGERY IN CLIMATE CHANGE DISCOURSE

Аннотация

Climate change discourse has gained significant attention due to its impact on ecological, social, and economic domains. This study explores the cognitive-semantic characteristics of linguistic representations of climate change in English ecological discourse. Using cognitive linguistics and semantic analysis, we identify key conceptual metaphors, frames, and lexical choices that shape public perception and understanding of climate change. The study employs corpus-based methods to examine climate-related texts from scientific, media, and political sources. The findings contribute to ecolinguistics by highlighting how language influences environmental awareness and attitudes toward climate issues, emphasizing the need for precise and responsible communication to fosterclimate-conscious behavior and policies. Keywords: Climate change discourse, ecolinguistics, cognitive linguistics, conceptual metaphors, framing, linguisticrepresentation, environmental communication, semanticanalysis. Introduction. Climate change has become one of the most pressing global challenges, with its representation in discourse playing a crucial role in shaping public perception and policy decisions. The linguistic representation of climatechange in English ecological discourse reflects cognitive and semantic patterns that influence how people understand and respond to environmental issues. The study of climate discourse within ecolinguistics is essential for uncovering how language choices impact public engagement and decision-making. Climate discourse is not just a means of conveying information; it serves as a tool to frame issues, influence public sentiment, and guide policy formulation. The way climate change is discussed across different communicative domains—scientific literature, media reporting, and political rhetoric—determines how individuals and societies conceptualize environmental threats and responsibilities. Metaphors, lexical choices, and discursive strategies play a pivotal role in shaping these perceptions. For example, media narratives may employ crisis-laden terminology to evoke urgency, whereas scientific discourse focuses on precision and neutrality. Political speeches, on the other hand, often utilize rhetorical strategies that align with economic and ideological interests. Language functions not onlyas a medium for transmitting climate-related information but also as a cognitive framework that structures our understanding of the phenomenon. The framing of climate change in discourse can influence attitudes, behaviors, and policy measures, either facilitating or hindering meaningful action. Studies have shown that different linguisticstrategies, such as metaphorical expressions, lexical choices, and discourse framing, shape how the public internalizes and reacts to climate change messages. Furthermore, the emotional and persuasive elements of language contribute to varying levels of engagement, from active participation in climate initiatives to skepticism and denial. www.wordlyknowledge.uz ILMIYMETODIK JURNAL JOURNAL OFIQRO –ЖУРНАЛ ИҚРО –IQRO JURNALI –volume 14,issue02,2025 ISSN:2181-4341, IMPACT FACTOR( RESEARCH BIB )–7,245,SJIF–5,431 This study aims to analyze these linguistic patterns within English climate discourse to better understand how language both reflects and shapes environmental concerns. By examining a diverse corpus of texts, including scientific articles, media reports, and political speeches, this research provides a comprehensive analysis of cognitive-semantic features that influence climate discourse. In doing so, it highlights the implications of linguistic framing for climate communication, policy-making, and publicengagement. Methodology. This study follows a mixed-methods approach, integrating corpus-based analysis with cognitive-semantic frameworks. The research is structured around several core aspects. First, a diverse corpus of texts from scientific journals, news articles, and political speeches on climate change was compiled to ensure a comprehensive analysis of climate discourse. The corpus was then processed using qualitative and quantitative methods to detect recurring linguistic and conceptual patterns. Cognitive-semantic analysis was applied to identify conceptual metaphors such as "climate change as a war," "climate change as a disease," and "climate change as an economic burden," among others. Additionally, discourse analysis examined the framing of climate change through different linguistic strategies and rhetorical devices, considering theroleoflanguage in shaping publicresponses and policies. Results. The analysis revealed several dominant cognitive-semantic patterns in English climate discourse, demonstrating the strategic use of language in shaping public perception and influencing policy discussions. Conceptual metaphors were a key feature, with climate change frequently represented as an enemy to be fought, an illness requiring urgent treatment, or a looming catastr