Harmonious discourse analysis: approaching peoples' problems in a Chinese context.

This article proposes a new approach to ecolinguistic studies we have called Harmonious Discourse Analysis (HDA). It represents an attempt to diversify the study of ecolinguistics by localizing it in a Chinese context, as well as taking inspiration from traditional Chinese philosophy and contemporary Chinese development trajectories. We have come up with HDA on the basis of reviewing current approaches to discourse analysis, particularly critical discourse analysis and eco-critical discourse analysis, and by comparing views which have a philosophical background in ecolinguistic studies, particularly the naturalized versus holistic perspectives within ecolinguistics. In this article, we first look at Systemic Functional Linguistics, which constitutes the theoretical basis of HDA, and explain its conceptions of context and the relationship between language and reality, and then go on to introduce HDA in detail in terms of its philosophical foundation, general assumption, and research principles. We also briefly introduce the analytical framework of this new approach in order to show how it works on both micro and macro levels through an interpretation of "discourse" in both narrow and broad senses. It is expected that HDA will diversify the landscape of ecolinguistic studies in its promotion of cultural inclusiveness, and play a part in social and educational praxis to benefit ecological protection in various contexts. • A critical view is not beyond criticism considering China's distinctive development trajectory and traditional philosophy. • "Harmony" is a worldview inheriting particularly from Confucianism; "discourse" is interpreted in narrow and broad senses. • HDA works with the assumption of human-orientedness, and the three principles of conscience, proximity and regulation. • HDA diversifies the landscape of ecolinguistic studies and promotes ecological education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]