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stenhansson.bsky.social
Sten Hansson
@stenhansson.bsky.social
4.4K followers 440 following 170 posts
Associate Professor @UniTartu interested in #government #communication #blameavoidance #disasters #disinformation #discoursestudies

https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?hl=en&user=AmIeTJYAAAAJ
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stenhansson.bsky.social
Sten Hansson @stenhansson.bsky.social · May 7
New article out now! We propose a framework for studying how changes in political leadership affect the language of government communication journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Social media communication of government agencies should ideally be truthful and impartial to sustain public trust in government and support democratic goals. However, the politicization of agencies may harm the benefits that impartial and engaged communication brings. In this study, we provide a linguistic framework for analyzing how agency politicization is reflected in the language of government social media communication by asking: How does the agency (1) use speech acts (e.g., commands, requests), (2) talk about itself and others, (3) refer to statistical and scientific information, and (4) express positive and negative sentiment? We demonstrate the application of the framework by conducting a case study of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s messaging on Twitter across administrations with distinct ideological alignments between the agency and its top administrator. The analysis shows that (1) requests and statistical information were used substantially more under the administrator more aligned with the agency mission; (2) expressive speech acts were used more often during the administration less aligned with the agency mission; and (3) posts were generally positive but more so under the administration less aligned with the agency mission, possibly to counteract increased public criticism. We discuss the results in relation to theories of politicization and government communication, and the implications for citizens and public sector communicators using social media sites.
stenhansson.bsky.social
Flooding the zone: Paths forward for information quality, misinformation, and disinformation work
-- @joshscacco.bsky.social

www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Introduction to the forum: Flooding the zone: Paths forward for information quality, misinformation, and disinformation work
Published in Journal of Applied Communication Research (Vol. 54, No. 1, 2026)
www.tandfonline.com
February 2, 2026 at 7:23 PM
stenhansson.bsky.social
A NEW HOPE? Local journalism as a mitigation hub for misinformation

www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
February 2, 2026 at 7:19 PM
Reposted by Sten Hansson
stenhansson.bsky.social
The discursive micro-politics of blame avoidance:

Unpacking the language of government blame games

link.springer.com/article/10.1...
The discursive micro-politics of blame avoidance: unpacking the language of government blame games - Policy Sciences
Policymakers often engage in blame avoidance behaviour that affects the ways in which they structure their organisations, adopt policies and operating routines, and present their work to the public. T...
link.springer.com
January 29, 2026 at 11:30 AM
Reposted by Sten Hansson
stenhansson.bsky.social
In this chapter, I map the field of linguistically informed critical studies of #power and #governance, identify key trends, and point to future avenues of research

www.researchgate.net/publication/...
January 28, 2026 at 5:41 PM
stenhansson.bsky.social
Doxxing Discourse

By @carmen-lee.bsky.social

www.cambridge.org/core/element...
Doxxing is the deliberate, unauthorized disclosure of personal information, often with malicious intent. Notably, it became a key method of public shaming and vigilantism during the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests. This Element understands and examines doxxing as a discursive practice. Using critical discourse analysis (CDA), it analyzes online forum discussions, survey and interview data from Hong Kong university students. Findings are examined alongside institutional legal texts to show how doxxing is discursively constructed, legitimized, and contested by different social actors. The case study identifies linguistic strategies such as metaphor, euphemism, and irony, along with legitimation discourses framing doxxing as social justice, deterrence, or moral self-defense. The Element also problematizes legal ambiguities and ethical tensions surrounding doxxing practices. By foregrounding the interplay between grassroots and legal discourses, it contributes to forensic linguistics scholarship on digital harm, power, and morality in contemporary mediated environments.
February 1, 2026 at 12:23 PM
Reposted by Sten Hansson
markmcglashan.com
Solid editorial work from @bforchtner.bsky.social and @francozappettini.bsky.social

🔓 You can read the pre-print of my chapter 'Anything goes? Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Critical Discourse Studies' here: www.researchgate.net/publication/...
February 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Reposted by Sten Hansson
gavinbrookes.bsky.social
Out now: 'What is good care, and who is it good for? A Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis of UK care home websites'. Chapter led by @emma-putland.bsky.social with Kevin Harvey in the Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies: www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/han.... Accepted version in original post below!
January 29, 2026 at 12:43 PM
Reposted by Sten Hansson
samtbennett.bsky.social
New publication: "Researching immigration and racism with critical discourse studies" in the newly published Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies, edited by @bforchtner.bsky.social and @francozappettini.bsky.social www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/han...
Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies
‘Featuring an impressive line-up of contributions, this comprehensive Handbook showcases the diversity, richness and discipline-spanning flexibility of Critical Discourse Studies (CDS). Originally org...
www.e-elgar.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:58 PM
stenhansson.bsky.social
The discursive micro-politics of blame avoidance:

Unpacking the language of government blame games

link.springer.com/article/10.1...
The discursive micro-politics of blame avoidance: unpacking the language of government blame games - Policy Sciences
Policymakers often engage in blame avoidance behaviour that affects the ways in which they structure their organisations, adopt policies and operating routines, and present their work to the public. T...
link.springer.com
January 29, 2026 at 11:30 AM
Reposted by Sten Hansson
lynneguist.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Deborah Cameron obituary
Linguist, feminist activist and author of influential books on how language can shape gendered experiences
www.theguardian.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:35 PM
stenhansson.bsky.social
In this chapter, I map the field of linguistically informed critical studies of #power and #governance, identify key trends, and point to future avenues of research

www.researchgate.net/publication/...
January 28, 2026 at 5:41 PM
Reposted by Sten Hansson
veronikakoller.bsky.social
The first part features a conversation between the editors and me. This book must have been a mammoth task and has turned out really well, so please get your library to buy it if you can.
stenhansson.bsky.social Sten Hansson @stenhansson.bsky.social · 8d
Introducing the Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies

By @bforchtner.bsky.social @francozappettini.bsky.social

www.elgaronline.com/edcollchap/b...
stenhansson.bsky.social Sten Hansson @stenhansson.bsky.social · 8d
📢 OUT NOW: Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies (2026)

www.elgaronline.com/edcollbook/b...
January 26, 2026 at 12:46 PM
Reposted by Sten Hansson
tamsinparnell.bsky.social
Congratulations to the editors and authors. I was amazed and pleased to see my work cited.
stenhansson.bsky.social Sten Hansson @stenhansson.bsky.social · 8d
📢 OUT NOW: Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies (2026)

www.elgaronline.com/edcollbook/b...
Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies Edited by Bernhard Forchtner and Franco Zappettini Featuring a series of engaging conversations with key figures in the field, this accessible Handbook outlines the crucial concepts of Critical Discourse Studies (CDS). Mapping the existing literature, contributors use qualitative and quantitative research to invite new engagements with CDS and to provide insight into primary debates.
January 26, 2026 at 12:20 PM
Reposted by Sten Hansson
francozappettini.bsky.social
Thanks to all contributors
stenhansson.bsky.social Sten Hansson @stenhansson.bsky.social · 8d
Introducing the Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies

By @bforchtner.bsky.social @francozappettini.bsky.social

www.elgaronline.com/edcollchap/b...
stenhansson.bsky.social Sten Hansson @stenhansson.bsky.social · 8d
📢 OUT NOW: Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies (2026)

www.elgaronline.com/edcollbook/b...
January 26, 2026 at 10:41 AM
Reposted by Sten Hansson
discodiscourse.bsky.social
Great to see it out. I'm very happy to have two chapters in this collection, one an interview and the other co-authored with Tommaso Milani
stenhansson.bsky.social Sten Hansson @stenhansson.bsky.social · 8d
📢 OUT NOW: Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies (2026)

www.elgaronline.com/edcollbook/b...
Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies Edited by Bernhard Forchtner and Franco Zappettini Featuring a series of engaging conversations with key figures in the field, this accessible Handbook outlines the crucial concepts of Critical Discourse Studies (CDS). Mapping the existing literature, contributors use qualitative and quantitative research to invite new engagements with CDS and to provide insight into primary debates.
January 26, 2026 at 10:41 AM
Reposted by Sten Hansson
ronidanz.bsky.social
Zohar Kampf and I contributed a chapter on lapdog interviewers, and how their on-air flattery towards politcal leaders creates an undemocratic model of leadership
stenhansson.bsky.social Sten Hansson @stenhansson.bsky.social · 8d
📢 OUT NOW: Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies (2026)

www.elgaronline.com/edcollbook/b...
Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies Edited by Bernhard Forchtner and Franco Zappettini Featuring a series of engaging conversations with key figures in the field, this accessible Handbook outlines the crucial concepts of Critical Discourse Studies (CDS). Mapping the existing literature, contributors use qualitative and quantitative research to invite new engagements with CDS and to provide insight into primary debates.
January 26, 2026 at 10:12 AM
Reposted by Sten Hansson
johnnyunger.bsky.social
I am in this
stenhansson.bsky.social Sten Hansson @stenhansson.bsky.social · 8d
📢 OUT NOW: Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies (2026)

www.elgaronline.com/edcollbook/b...
Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies Edited by Bernhard Forchtner and Franco Zappettini Featuring a series of engaging conversations with key figures in the field, this accessible Handbook outlines the crucial concepts of Critical Discourse Studies (CDS). Mapping the existing literature, contributors use qualitative and quantitative research to invite new engagements with CDS and to provide insight into primary debates.
January 26, 2026 at 10:11 AM
stenhansson.bsky.social
This may be of interest to researchers of #PolComm #DiscourseStudies

@polcomm.bsky.social @critdiscstuds.bsky.social @liprg.bsky.social @psarhetoric.bsky.social @discoursenet.bsky.social @theframelab.bsky.social @jlanpol.bsky.social @cadaad.bsky.social @languagepowerpodcast.org #TeamRhetoric
stenhansson.bsky.social Sten Hansson @stenhansson.bsky.social · 8d
📢 OUT NOW: Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies (2026)

www.elgaronline.com/edcollbook/b...
Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies Edited by Bernhard Forchtner and Franco Zappettini Featuring a series of engaging conversations with key figures in the field, this accessible Handbook outlines the crucial concepts of Critical Discourse Studies (CDS). Mapping the existing literature, contributors use qualitative and quantitative research to invite new engagements with CDS and to provide insight into primary debates.
January 26, 2026 at 10:13 AM
stenhansson.bsky.social
Contributors include @paulchilton.bsky.social @veronikakoller.bsky.social @mkrzyzanowski.bsky.social @discodiscourse.bsky.social @dgalasinski.bsky.social @markmcglashan.com @johnnyunger.bsky.social @ronidanz.bsky.social @gavinbrookes.bsky.social @samtbennett.bsky.social @michaelfarrelly.bsky.social
stenhansson.bsky.social Sten Hansson @stenhansson.bsky.social · 8d
📢 OUT NOW: Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies (2026)

www.elgaronline.com/edcollbook/b...
Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies Edited by Bernhard Forchtner and Franco Zappettini Featuring a series of engaging conversations with key figures in the field, this accessible Handbook outlines the crucial concepts of Critical Discourse Studies (CDS). Mapping the existing literature, contributors use qualitative and quantitative research to invite new engagements with CDS and to provide insight into primary debates.
January 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM
stenhansson.bsky.social
Introducing the Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies

By @bforchtner.bsky.social @francozappettini.bsky.social

www.elgaronline.com/edcollchap/b...
stenhansson.bsky.social Sten Hansson @stenhansson.bsky.social · 8d
📢 OUT NOW: Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies (2026)

www.elgaronline.com/edcollbook/b...
Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies Edited by Bernhard Forchtner and Franco Zappettini Featuring a series of engaging conversations with key figures in the field, this accessible Handbook outlines the crucial concepts of Critical Discourse Studies (CDS). Mapping the existing literature, contributors use qualitative and quantitative research to invite new engagements with CDS and to provide insight into primary debates.
January 26, 2026 at 9:53 AM
stenhansson.bsky.social
📢 OUT NOW: Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies (2026)

www.elgaronline.com/edcollbook/b...
Handbook on Critical Discourse Studies Edited by Bernhard Forchtner and Franco Zappettini Featuring a series of engaging conversations with key figures in the field, this accessible Handbook outlines the crucial concepts of Critical Discourse Studies (CDS). Mapping the existing literature, contributors use qualitative and quantitative research to invite new engagements with CDS and to provide insight into primary debates.
January 26, 2026 at 9:51 AM
stenhansson.bsky.social
"Can personal political branding from within government be considered as a form of disinformation?"

www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....

#polcomm
Executing a Personal PoliticalBranding Campaign from Within Government: The Case of the UK Finance Minister Rishi Sunak and Social Media (2020–2022)
Social media is increasingly used by mainstream politicians to fashion their public image while campaigning and governing. As the UK’s finance minister from 2020 to 2022, and Prime Minister until 2...
www.tandfonline.com
January 25, 2026 at 3:13 PM
stenhansson.bsky.social
Strategic narrative: its origins and evolution, its connection to public diplomacy, and some future paths

link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Strategic narrative: its origins and evolution, its connection to public diplomacy, and some future paths - Place Branding and Public Diplomacy
Place Branding and Public Diplomacy -
link.springer.com
January 22, 2026 at 9:59 AM
stenhansson.bsky.social
Discourse approaches to gender-based violence:

Deconstructing social inequality through linguistic inquiry

books.google.co.uk/books?id=RzW...
Discourse Approaches to Gender-Based Violence
This volume illustrates how the adoption of discourse approaches can cast light on the complex and often subtle ways in which gender-based violence (GBV) discursively operates. The focus is on careful...
books.google.co.uk
January 22, 2026 at 6:38 AM
stenhansson.bsky.social
Dichotomies in Media and Communication Theory (2026)
By Bart Cammaerts @lsemedia.bsky.social

books.google.co.uk/books?id=bti...
Dichotomies in Media and Communication Theory
This innovative textbook explores media and communication theory, and its intersections with social and political theory, through the prism of eight core dichotomies – communication/media, private/pub...
books.google.co.uk
January 17, 2026 at 8:59 AM