Nature as relationship partner: an old frame revisited

Abstract

Language use that embodies a mechanistic, instrumental view of nature contributes to the environmental predicament. This paper argues that interpersonal relationships can be applied as suitable analogies and metaphors for human–nature relationships. To show that such reframing is necessary and possible, we used the Google Ngram Viewer to study how often expressions from different frames of nature were used in English language books between 1800 and 2008. As the language use of scientific publications is directly related to formal education, a similar analysis was conducted using the Scopus scientific database for 1993–2012. After presenting our numerical results, we explain why the interpersonal relationship frame is environmentally appropriate and widely applicable. It is pointed out that in both human–human and human–nature relations, complex systems are connected, change is constant, stress is unavoidable, and multiple dynamic equilibria exist. Moreover, a number of analogous psychological defense mechanisms are used, which can lead to similar systemic problems, such as unrealistic expectations, growing distance, and exploitation in the relationship. In light of these similarities, relevant theoretical and empirical results are re-examined. It is shown that the relationship frame can help understand and bring about the cognitive and behavioral changes required to improve human–nature relationships.

Keywords:

• environmental communication
• relationship frame
• Google Ngram Viewer
• metaphor
• environmental values
• pro-environmental behavior

Acknowledgements

We thank András Takács-Sánta, Janne Hukkinen and Antonius Gagern for their valuable comments.

Notes

1. ‘[A]n acknowledged interdependence with others, a willingness to maintain this interdependence […], and the feeling that one is part of a larger dependable and stable structure’ (Sarason 1974, 157), plus a desire to improve the world through civic involvement (Crompton 2010).

2. Understanding, appreciation, tolerance, and protection for the welfare of all people and nature (Crompton 2010).

3. By this we mean a multi-level system. At the lower level there are (cognitive) frames that include their characteristic expressions and the associated emotions (Lakoff 2010); at the middle level, there are structures of frames, while at the highest level, there are statements that describe internal relations within or external relations between frames. Statements at the highest level are connected, and the resulting network can be used as a model of belief systems (Antal and Balogh 2009).

4. With zero smoothing.

5. Since we cannot judge whether trends of individual words reflect a general moral change in society in which case we would include the terms, or just a change of language use in which case we would not, these terms are not shown in the figures.

6. Nature with a capital N has been associated with the notion of nature as divinity, and some advocacy groups would like to bring back this form in writing (Earthvalues Institute 2013).

7. Roughly similar results can be obtained by using the Web of Science database.

8. 2013 was not included because the number of search results is still changing due to newly added documents.

9. The number of search results for expressions (e.g. ‘ecosystem services’) was subtracted from the number of results for the single words (e.g. ‘ecosystem’ and ‘services’).

10. A value circumplex is a representation of values based on empirical research. Compatible values are plotted adjacent to one another on its circumference, while antagonistic values are plotted opposite to one another.

11. Going beyond metaphors, some authors want to eliminate the distinction between humans and nature in language by using the term ‘more-than-human’ nature/world (e.g. Abram 1996).

Additional information

Funding

Funding. This research was realized in the framework of the TÁMOP 4.2.4.A/2-11-1-2012-0001 ‘National Excellence Programme – Elaborating and operating an inland student and researcher personal support system convergence programme’ key project, which is subsidized by the European Union and Hungary and co-financed by the European Social Fund.