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Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of discourse analysis?
What is the term for the type of discourse characterized by a specific style, tone, or purpose?
Which of the following theorists is known for his work on power and knowledge?
What is the term for the detailed examination of language use in discourse analysis?
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What is the role of discourse in shaping social reality?
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What is the term for the variety of language used in a specific social context?
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What is the focus of critical discourse analysis?
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What is the term for the channel or medium of communication?
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Study Notes
Definition and Concept
- Discourse refers to a unit of language in use, beyond the sentence level, that forms a coherent message or communication.
- It involves the analysis of language as a social practice, examining how language is used to create meaning and construct social reality.
Key Features
- Contextual dependence: Discourse is dependent on the social, cultural, and historical context in which it occurs.
- Language as social action: Discourse is seen as a form of social action, rather than just a reflection of reality.
- Power and ideology: Discourse is often shaped by power relationships and ideologies, which can influence the construction of meaning.
Discourse Analysis
- Micro-analysis: Focuses on the detailed examination of language use, such as conversation analysis or critical discourse analysis.
- Macro-analysis: Examines the broader social and cultural contexts in which discourse occurs.
Types of Discourse
- Genre: A type of discourse that is characterized by a specific style, tone, or purpose (e.g., news article, academic paper, conversation).
- Register: A variety of language used in a specific social context (e.g., formal, informal, technical).
- Mode: A channel or medium of communication (e.g., spoken, written, visual).
Discourse and Power
- Discourse as power: Discourse can be used to exert power and influence over others.
- Discourse and social inequality: Discourse can perpetuate social inequalities, such as racism, sexism, and classism.
Theorists and Theories
- Foucault: Michel Foucault's work on power and knowledge is influential in discourse analysis.
- Fairclough: Norman Fairclough's critical discourse analysis examines the role of language in social and political change.
- Gee: James Paul Gee's work on discourse analysis focuses on the social and cultural contexts of language use.
Definition and Concept
- Discourse is a unit of language in use beyond the sentence level, forming a coherent message or communication.
- It examines language as a social practice, constructing meaning and social reality.
Key Features
- Discourse is dependent on social, cultural, and historical context.
- Language is seen as a form of social action, influencing reality rather than just reflecting it.
- Discourse is shaped by power relationships and ideologies, influencing the construction of meaning.
Discourse Analysis
- Micro-analysis involves detailed examination of language use, such as conversation analysis or critical discourse analysis.
- Macro-analysis examines broader social and cultural contexts in which discourse occurs.
Types of Discourse
- Genre refers to a type of discourse characterized by a specific style, tone, or purpose (e.g., news article, academic paper, conversation).
- Register refers to a variety of language used in a specific social context (e.g., formal, informal, technical).
- Mode refers to a channel or medium of communication (e.g., spoken, written, visual).
Discourse and Power
- Discourse can be used to exert power and influence over others.
- Discourse can perpetuate social inequalities, such as racism, sexism, and classism.
Theorists and Theories
- Michel Foucault's work highlights the relationship between power and knowledge.
- Norman Fairclough's critical discourse analysis examines language's role in social and political change.
- James Paul Gee's work focuses on the social and cultural contexts of language use.
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Description
Understand the concept of discourse analysis, its dependence on social context and how language is used to create meaning and construct social reality.
