Discourse

Definition

Discourse refers to written or spoken communication that goes beyond mere sentences, encompassing larger units of language in context. It involves how language is used in various social contexts and how meaning is constructed through interaction, including the roles of power, identity, and culture in communication. Understanding discourse is crucial for analyzing how language operates as a system that shapes and is shaped by social dynamics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Discourse can include various forms of communication, such as conversations, speeches, texts, and media, highlighting its diverse nature.
2. Analyzing discourse involves looking at not just what is said but also how it is said, including tone, context, and non-verbal cues.
3. Discourse analysis can reveal underlying social norms and power structures that influence communication patterns.
4. Different types of discourse (e.g., academic, conversational, political) each have their own conventions and expectations.
5. Discourse shapes identity and can reflect cultural values, revealing how individuals position themselves in relation to others.

Review Questions

• How does discourse analysis differ from traditional language study, and why is it important?
  • Discourse analysis differs from traditional language study by focusing on larger units of communication rather than isolated sentences or grammar rules. It examines how context influences meaning and how language functions in social interactions. This approach is important because it reveals the complexities of human communication, highlighting the role of social norms, power dynamics, and cultural contexts that shape our understanding of language.
• In what ways do power dynamics manifest through discourse in social interactions?
  • Power dynamics manifest through discourse by influencing who gets to speak, how their contributions are valued, and the language styles that are considered authoritative or legitimate. For example, in a conversation where one person dominates the dialogue using specialized jargon or authoritative tone, it can marginalize others' voices. Analyzing such interactions helps uncover underlying inequalities and the impact of social structures on communication practices.
• Evaluate the significance of intertextuality in understanding discourse and its implications for meaning-making.
  • Intertextuality is significant in understanding discourse because it highlights how texts are interconnected and how meaning is shaped through references to other texts. This interconnectedness allows for richer interpretations and reveals how cultural narratives are constructed over time. By evaluating intertextuality, we can better understand how individual voices contribute to broader conversations within society and how those conversations evolve across different contexts.

Related terms

Pragmatics:

The branch of linguistics that studies how context influences the interpretation of meaning in communication.

Speech Act: An utterance that performs an action, such as making a request, giving an order, or making a promise within a communicative context.

Intertextuality: The relationship between texts, how they reference and influence one another in shaping meaning within discourse.