Endangered species or traditional delicacy? Discursive perspectives on Po Delta eels

The Po Delta eel embodies a dual identity in contemporary discourse, as it is both an endangered species deserving protection and a cherished culinary delicacy that represents the very identity of the Delta, and is promoted as such in the context of tourism. This article uses corpus-based discourse analysis to investigate the prevailing portrayals of Po Delta eels in online discourse. By analysing a diverse range of online texts in both English and Italian, this study explores the tension between the eel’s ecological status and its cultural significance across linguistic boundaries. Through the analysis of linguistic patterns and contextual cues in both languages, this study explores the underlying psychology of simultaneously caring for and consuming animals. The juxtaposition of these discursive perspectives raises important questions about human/other-than-human relationships, sustainability, and cultural identity.