Environmental Rhetoric

Language In Society and Its Usefulness in Environmental Protection

Abstract

The article discusses the role of language and rhetoric in understanding and solving contemporary environmental challenges. The author builds on a transitive argument that connects four key elements: society, environment, language, and rhetoric, where they begin by presenting an analysis of the negative impacts of industrial society on the environment, followed by a theoretical justification of language as a constitutive element of social reality. Using Searle's social ontology and speech act theory, the author then explains how linguistic orientation and agreements establish social facts and institutions. The main part of the text focuses on linguistic relativism and framing, where the author uses concrete examples to demonstrate the power of vocabulary and rhetoric in shaping public opinion. The concluding section presents the practical value of classical rhetoric, showing how the use of Aristotle's means of persuasion – ethos (character), logos (argumentation), and pathos (emotion) – can serve as an effective tool for promoting environmental responsibility. The author concludes that mastering environmental rhetoric is essential for the transition from mere awareness to actual social action.