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Framing Covid-19 reporting in the Macau Daily News using metaphors and gain/loss prospects: a war for collective gains

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Listed:
  • Vincent X. Wang

    (University of Macau)

  • Xi Chen

    (University of Macau)

  • Lily Lim

    (Macao Polytechnic University)

  • Chu-Ren Huang

    (Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

Abstract

This study investigates the use of metaphors and the prospect of gain/loss conveyed in the coverage of the pandemic in a leading conventional news outlet in Macau. We discovered that war metaphors have predominantly been used in reports in the Macau Daily News, and have identified three sets of lexical expressions used in these metaphors. The main themes conveyed by the war metaphors include describing the gravity of the situation, communicating anti-pandemic measures, and urging the public to participate in anti-pandemic efforts. In addition, the persuasive messages contained in the appeals for joint action are examined in terms of gain/loss frames and collectivistic versus individualistic appeals. We argue for an analytical framework that encompasses both conceptual metaphors and gain/loss framing in subsequent studies on persuasive messaging.

Suggested Citation

  • Vincent X. Wang & Xi Chen & Lily Lim & Chu-Ren Huang, 2023. "Framing Covid-19 reporting in the Macau Daily News using metaphors and gain/loss prospects: a war for collective gains," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:10:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-023-01994-3
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-023-01994-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paul H Thibodeau & Lera Boroditsky, 2013. "Natural Language Metaphors Covertly Influence Reasoning," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(1), pages 1-7, January.
    2. Li Huang & Oliver Zhen Li & Baiqiang Wang & Zilong Zhang, 2022. "Individualism and the fight against COVID-19," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-20, December.
    3. Kai Ruggeri & Sonia Alí & Mari Louise Berge & Giulia Bertoldo & Ludvig D. Bjørndal & Anna Cortijos-Bernabeu & Clair Davison & Emir Demić & Celia Esteban-Serna & Maja Friedemann & Shannon P. Gibson & H, 2020. "Replicating patterns of prospect theory for decision under risk," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 4(6), pages 622-633, June.
    4. Katharine J. Mach & Raúl Salas Reyes & Brian Pentz & Jennifer Taylor & Clarissa A. Costa & Sandip G. Cruz & Kerronia E. Thomas & James C. Arnott & Rosalind Donald & Kripa Jagannathan & Christine J. Ki, 2021. "News media coverage of COVID-19 public health and policy information," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 8(1), pages 1-11, December.
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