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What Do Economists Talk About? A Linguistic Analysis of Published Writing in Economic Journals

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  • Nils Goldschmidt
  • Benedikt Szmrecsanyi

Abstract

. The present study aims to add to our knowledge about economic rhetoric by conducting a data‐driven analysis of economic academic discourse, both synchronically in its contemporary form, and diachronically over the past four decades. We find (1) that linguistically, economics is clearly an academic genre of its own, (2) that there are at the same time clear differences in vocabulary and style usage across economic journals, and (3) that there have been major developments in economic prose during the past four decades. We argue that there is some, albeit tentative, evidence that the discipline may face an increasing methodological gap.

Suggested Citation

  • Nils Goldschmidt & Benedikt Szmrecsanyi, 2007. "What Do Economists Talk About? A Linguistic Analysis of Published Writing in Economic Journals," American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 66(2), pages 335-378, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ajecsc:v:66:y:2007:i:2:p:335-378
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1536-7150.2007.00514.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Łukasz Hardt, 2010. "Criticizing the critique. Some methodological insights into the debate on the state of economic theory in the face of the post 2008 crisis," Bank i Kredyt, Narodowy Bank Polski, vol. 41(4), pages 7-22.
    2. Hamermesh, Daniel S. & Kosnik, Lea-Rachel, 2022. "Aging in Style: Does How We Write Matter?," IZA Discussion Papers 15739, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    3. Maria-Floriana Popescu, 2015. "The Energy Issues: A Corpus-Based Analysis," Romanian Economic Journal, Department of International Business and Economics from the Academy of Economic Studies Bucharest, vol. 18(56), pages 147-167, June,.

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