2025/10/24 by Liang, Xin, Li, Tianyi
Arts and Humanities · #Narrative Theory and Analysis #Media Influence and Health #Rhetoric and Communication Studies
paper · doi:10.82315/82xfd-0k110
This research explores how Sixth Tone reimagines archaeological journalism as a narrative practice of civilizational communication. Through textual analysis of its reports from 2019 to 2024, the study identifies three core strategies: the construction of a sense of presence, which transforms distant archaeological work into vivid, human-centered experiences; the puzzle-based narrative structure, which engages readers through suspense and cognitive participation; and the fusion of scientific rationality with literary expression, balancing disciplinary rigor with emotional resonance. These narrative innovations bridge the gap between specialized archaeological discourse and public understanding, allowing global audiences to experience Chinese archaeology as both scientific inquiry and cultural storytelling. Ultimately, Sixth Tone’s approach exemplifies how journalism can translate complex heritage narratives into accessible, affective, and globally meaningful stories, contributing to the broader project of retelling the story of Chinese civilization.