How do Chinese scientists maintain their discourse authority? Critical discourse analysis of discourse “boundary work” in genetically modified organisms discussion on a Chinese knowledge-sharing network

Abstract

The discourse authority of science and scientists has recently faced many challenges. This study analyzes the discourse techniques used by Chinese scientists to maintain their discourse authority in the online discussion of genetically modified organisms on Zhihu, China’s biggest knowledge-sharing network. Based on the concept of “boundary work” as a theoretical framework, we find that scientists maintain their discourse authority by using “I/we” to distinguish themselves as qualified science communicators and “you” to refer to audiences, thus building boundaries between Chinese scientists and the public. The findings also indicate that such discourse “boundary work” is a common practice among scientists who communicate their views about genetically modified organisms on Zhihu.