Representations of 5G in the Chinese and British press: a corpus-assisted critical discourse analysis

Abstract

Overview

This study uses a corpus-assisted critical discourse analysis to examine how 5G technology is represented in the Chinese and British press.

Thematic Categories Identified

• The nature of 5G
• Social actors in 5G discourse
• Actions around 5G
• Timing in 5G discourse

Findings

Chinese Press: Tends to use positive evaluative language to construct 5G as a trustworthy and beneficial matter. There is strong emphasis on China's support for 5G development.

British Press: More likely to frame 5G within the context of geopolitical rivalry, focusing on scientific uncertainties and controversies. There is frequent use of negative language, referring to 5G risks and conspiracy theories.

Discursive Strategies

• The Chinese press constructs a “positive self-representation” through positive predication strategies.
• The British press constructs China as an outgroup with negative predication and uses scapegoating to profile Britain positively, mainly referencing U.S. pressure on the UK.

Conclusion

These discursive differences reflect distinct journalistic ideologies, values, and socio-political contexts in China and the United Kingdom.