Vulgarisation scientifique et médiatisation de la science: Instabilité terminologique dans le domaine de la lutte biologique

Abstract

Abstract This article explores terminological variation, in particular denominative variation, in popular science discourse. Our objective is to analyse the terminological complexity and instability of terms referring to the controversial notion of biocontrol (lutte biologique in French) in two types of publications. The analysis is based on the identification of the different denominations used in this interdisciplinary subject field, both in a Journal specialized in plant protection and in the most popular French daily newspapers. Our study aims to give an in-depth linguistic and cognitive analysis of French terms and explain the reasons for the observed variation. As most scientific research topics gaining public attention, biological control (or biocontrol) is prone to a multiplication of terms. In this study, we show how the profusion of terms, in a domain with important scientific and societal implications, can maintain or even exacerbate terminological and conceptual confusion.