Ecolinguistics for environmental scientists and stewards
For environmental researchers, policymakers and advocates reshaping how we talk about nature, climate and ecological systems.
You'll be using words for that
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Whether you're communicating research findings, developing policy positions or advocating for environmental change, strategic clarity depends on your language choices.
Intentional shifts in language create the conditions for insight, opening up new lines of thought and understanding that determines whether or not your communications create the change you're working toward.
"Directly relevant to our work & understanding that if you want research to have impact you need to understand your audience & communicate it properly."​
Research Scientist, OneBasin CRC
What is ecolinguistics?​
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Ecolinguistics examines the role of language in shaping the relationships between humans, other species and the physical environment. It studies how the words we choose, the metaphors we use and the stories we tell, influence our attitudes and behaviours.
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Beyond word choice, ecolinguistics reveals the linguistic structures operating beneath conscious awareness, including:
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frames that determine what people notice and ignore
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metaphors that structure reasoning,
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values encoded in syntax
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agency patterns that assign or erase responsibility
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conviction markers that calibrate urgency, and
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appraisal systems that shape evaluation.
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These patterns shape perceptions, reasoning and behaviours without people realising. Ecolinguistics brings these patterns into awareness - a critical first step in reframing harmful narratives and creating new narratives that change hearts, minds and actions.
Turning language awareness into constructive tools for change
Ecolinguistics provides:
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Analytical tools to examine how language shapes environmental reasoning
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Understanding of the linguistic structures influencing science, policy and community responses
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Practical frameworks for creating narratives that activate care and guide action.
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Who's it for?
Environmental scientists, communicators and advocates in:
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Research institutions and universities
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Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs)
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Government environmental agencies (EPA, parks, wildlife, fisheries)
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Natural resource management organisations
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Water and river management authorities
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Nature conservation and biodiversity programs
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Climate adaptation and sustainability offices
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Environmental policy and planning departments
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Landcare and land stewardship networks
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​​When does it help?
Ecolinguistic tools and frameworks help when:
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Translating research findings for diverse audiences (scientists, policymakers, community)
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Developing communication strategies for environmental programs or policies
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Writing reports, submissions or briefings that need to work across contexts
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Facing pushback or disengagement despite strong evidence
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Building organisational or team communication capacity
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Reviewing and improving existing environmental messaging
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Feeling stuck between the language worlds of science, bureaucracy and community.
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Do I have to be a linguist?
No. You just need to be curious about words and the effect they have on emotion, cognition and behaviour.​
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Remember - you're framing anyway, through your language choices. Every report, briefing or presentation makes linguistic choices that shape how your audience thinks and responds.​nt.
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If you're thinking ecologically, you're already thinking systemically. Linguistics is the scientific study of language in use. Ecolinguistics applies your existing systems mindset to language - examining how linguistic patterns connect, interact and shape the larger system of environmental understanding and action.
​"This was so relevant to our unique Landcare situation.
It’s rare to get presenters that can tailor their training to us so well.”
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Regional Landcare Facilitator, Vic.
Training and professional development delivery options
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90-minute introduction: Overview of key ecolinguistics concepts using examples from policy, research and media. Interactive analysis of environmental language patterns.
Half-day workshop: Deep dive into linguistic analysis with hands-on practice. Application to participants' communication challenges. Message planning frameworks.
Full-day intensive: Comprehensive ecolinguistics training. Extended practice with environmental texts. Message planning for participants' specific contexts. Team collaboration on organisational communication.
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Team capacity building: Ongoing support for communication teams. Review and refinement of organisational messaging. Professional coaching for environmental communicators.
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Strategic communication support
Narrative analysis: Linguistic analysis of policy documents, strategies or communication campaigns. Identification of frames, metaphors, values and agency patterns. Recommendations for strategic revision.
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Message strategy sessions: Reframing support for environmental initiatives. Values-based communication planning. Stakeholder-specific messaging development.
Speaking and presentations: Guest lectures and university seminars. Conference workshops and keynotes. Professional seminar series. Research centre presentations. Tailored programs. Landcare, Coastcare, and NRM network training. Research centre communication workshops. Government agency strategy sessions. CRC communication capacity building. Regional environmental organisation programs.
"I really appreciated your thoughtful, calm and accessible style and found the approach so compelling with the evidence behind it."
Communication Manager, Melbourne Water
Current research
Making sense of resilience. How do disaster management agencies and disaster affected communities conceptualise ‘resilience’?
‘Resilience’ is a prolific concept in the Australian disaster management context. However, the polysemic nature of ‘resilience’ means key speech communities may conceptualise and experience resilience differently. The disconnection this creates, may lead to miscommunication between groups with implications for the effectiveness and cohesiveness of recovery efforts.
This project uses two methods of linguistic enquiry to explore how disaster management agencies and disaster affected communities conceptualise ‘resilience’.​Interested to learn more about this research or this approach? Please be in touch.
Why Words for Change?
Combining a lifelong love of nature with a passion for words and an enduring curiosity about human reasoning, I understand both the science you communicate and the science of how communication works, as well as the pressures and responsibilities that shape your context.
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I hold a B.Sci (Hons), PhD, and CSIRO Post Doc in Ecology, an MA in Linguistics, and postgraduate qualifications in Marketing Communications and Behavioural Neurobiology.
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I bring more than 30 years' experience translating between ecological systems and human understanding through roles in ecological research, education, policy and communication across universities, CSIRO, government agencies, Water & NRM organisations, National Parks, Landcare networks, CRCs and R&D partnerships.
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I understand the challenges you face moving between scientific, policy and community contexts. I'm committed to helping environmental scientists and stewards find the words that foster understanding, empathy and action to protect, nurture and sustain the diversity of our social-ecological systems.​
Me as a CSIRO PostDoc in 2003 sampling floristic and soil-stored seed assemblages to determine the ecological memory and restoration potential of coastal vegetation invaded by Bitou Bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. monilifera)
