The Global Image of Shenzhen: A Corpus-Based Critical Discourse Analysis of Media Discourses

Abstract

This article studies the media representations of Shenzhen’s global image by adopting the corpus-based critical discourse analysis. Previous studies mainly analyze the shaping, publicity and construction of Shenzhen’s image from the perspective of urban culture and development and news dissemination. However, media construction on the global image of Shenzhen is empirical and noticeable. The findings demonstrate favorable representations of Shenzhen’s image associated with technology powerhouse, manufacturing heartland, industrial boomtown, jewelry fair advantages and giant headquarters economy in general. Negative representations associated with Shenzhen Stock trading drop, landslide accident and Apple’s Foxconn problems are amplified in media discourses.