Call for Papers

Special Issue Call for papers from On The Horizon

Language and Economics

Edited by Tanweer Ali


On the Horizon is preparing a special issue, due to be published in July 2014, on the application of linguistics in economics and the link between the two disciplines. The aim of the publication is to explore the impact of language on economic thought, and to encourage intellectual collaboration between linguists and economists. We wish to explore both the public discourse on economic issues as well as more specialised literature such as textbooks and academic publications. We welcome contributions from all schools of thought in linguistics and economics, although we are particularly interested in heterodox perspectives in economics. The target audience are academics in linguistics and economics and economic policy makers and analysts.

The Questions:

We will be happy to consider contributions that explore all aspects of the subject area, including, for instance, the following questions:

  • How is language used to frame both sides of the austerity vs. stimulus debate?
  • How is metaphor used in economic literature?
  • How is the nature of money presented in public discourse / the teaching of economics? Are there differences between the two?
  • How is debt presented in public discourse / the teaching of economics? Are there differences between the two?
  • How has language and terminology borrowed from the natural sciences (e.g. equilibrium) affected the development of economic thought?
  • Are there other metaphors that could summarize the public discourse as effectively as presenting the state as a household, but expressing an alternative view?
  • How are power relations reflected in the language of academic economic literature? Are there significant differences between the academic literature and the public discourse?
  • How are gender relations reflected in the language of public discourse / academic literature e.g. in discussions about work and employment?
  • How does language affect public perceptions of unemployment?
  • How are issues of class treated in economics textbooks, especially in books focused on labour economics?
  • What role does national/ethnic stereotyping play in the media discourse on economic issues? (E.g. what stereotypes of Greeks is presented in the media discussion of the Euro zone crisis in northern Europe?)
  • How do accounting concepts impact the framing of business decisions?
  • How does language affect the discourse on corporate governance in the business press?
  • Does the use of language and metaphor in the financial media reflect market moods during crashes and panics? Could discourse analysis provide advanced warning of impending financial crises?
  • What are the differences in the way language impacts on economic thought and discourse in different languages e.g. French or German versus English?

In order to facilitate interaction amongst economists and linguists we have created an online discussion forum: Please feel free to use this space to exchange ideas and build collaborative efforts.


On the Horizon:


Abstract Due: 1 October 2013

Drafts Due: 15 December 2013

Final Due: 1 March 2014

Publication: July 2014


Abstracts, questions to:  Subject Line: Language and Economics

Writers will need to state when submitting their abstract whether they request a double blind review.

All full papers submitted via the ScholarsOne website:

Paper requirements:

a) word length: up to 5000 words including abstract, key words, footnotes, references;

b) all graphs/drawings to be original or a formal release from copyright owners, even if in published works. Graphics can be in colour for electronic edition but must be legible in B/W for print edition;

c) abstract to follow Emerald format (see Author Guidelines on the Emerald site: form needed but all categories do not need to be included;

d) hot links allowed in article.


Tanweer Ali, guest editor:

Dr. Tom P. Abeles, editor:

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