ENGL3038 Discourse Studies Lecture 1 PDF

ENGL3038 DISCOURSE STUDIES LECTURE 1 INTRODUCTION Steven Wong 4 September 2024 YOUR TEACHER Lecturer: Dr. Steven WONG Ming Chiu Research Areas: Public Communications, Discourse Analysis Lecture: 1:30pm – 4:20pm (Wed): WLB209 Consultation:...

ENGL3038 DISCOURSE STUDIES LECTURE 1 INTRODUCTION Steven Wong 4 September 2024 YOUR TEACHER Lecturer: Dr. Steven WONG Ming Chiu Research Areas: Public Communications, Discourse Analysis Lecture: 1:30pm – 4:20pm (Wed): WLB209 Consultation: By appointment Email: [email protected] 2 OUTLINE Course Description Weekly Schedule Assessment Introduction of (Critical) Discourse Analysis Discourse & Text Types 3  HOW IS THIS COURSE ORGANIZED? This course introduces students to core concepts and topics in discourse analysis. It also provides students with necessary tools to understand, describe, and analyze various texts and interactions Explain fundamental concepts and principles in discourse analysis Apply the concepts and principles to the description and analysis of discourse Address language-related problems/issues in different settings using discourse analytic methods Lectures: Concepts and theories with examples; in-class activities & discussions (powerpoints and web-based resource materials available) Exercises & discussions on more specific issues (based on readings, text analyses) 4 5 ASSESSMENT Assessment Tasks Weighting (a) In-class Mid-term Quiz (Lecture 7: Oct 23) 30% Assess students’ understanding of the core concepts and theories of Discourse Analysis (b) Individual Term Paper (Nov 29) 30% Assess students’ skills in examining the issues of language and power, identity, gender, ethnicity and discourse (c) Final Examination 40% Assess students’ mastery of the concepts and theories learned, including both analytical and essay questions * More information will be given in due course 6 ASSESSMENT Mid-term (30%) Assess students’ understanding of the core concepts and theories of Discourse Analysis Question Types: True or false questions Fill-in-the-blank questions Short questions & Text analysis ASSESSMENT Individual Term Paper (30%) Students will be required to write a paper of approximately 1500 words (±10%), in which they will have to conduct a discourse analysis of a text (or a group of related texts) based on the theories and issues covered in the lectures. The chosen text(s) can be from any source, e.g., a newspaper article, a speech, a social media post, or any other written or spoken communication. 8 ASSESSMENT Suggested components in your paper (or any other aspects you deem necessary to discuss): Introduction Literature review Methodology Analysis and discussion Conclusion References Appendix 9 WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE TERM DISCOURSE AND DISCOURSE ANALYSIS? WHAT IS DISCOURSE? Discourse Verbal interchange of ideas Connected speech or writing A linguistic unit larger than a sentence A mode of organizing knowledge, ideas, or experience that is rooted in language and its concrete contexts (Merriam-Webster) 11 EXAMPLE 1 12 EXAMPLE 2 13 Why is there such a difference between the two examples, even though they refer to a similar topic? 14  The two examples illustrate how discourse is organized differently based on the context and the relationship between the speakers. ✓ Discourse: (…) A mode of organizing knowledge, ideas, or experience that is rooted in language and its concrete contexts (Merriam-Webster) 15 → Relationship between linguistic choices & context Q1. Identify the words in examples 1 and 2 which suggest that Ray’s relationship with his mother is a friendly one compared to his relationship with the principal. 16 Q1. Identify the words in examples 1 and 2 which suggest that Ray’s relationship with his mother is a friendly one compared to his relationship with the principal. Example 1 Example 2 Hi Good afternoon Ray greets his mother with the friendly form hi, compared to the more distant and formal good afternoon used to the school principal. 17 Q1. Identify the words in examples 1 and 2 which suggest that Ray’s relationship with his mother is a friendly one compared to his relationship with the principal. Example 1 Example 2 mum sir He uses mum, an address form which indicates that he gets on well with her. He could have used no address form at all. Note that he uses the respectful address form sir to the principal. 18 Q1. Identify the words in examples 1 and 2 which suggest that Ray’s relationship with his mother is a friendly one compared to his relationship with the principal. Example 1 Example 2 bastard, Sootbucket Mr Sutton Finally, he refers to his teacher as that bastard and uses a nickname Sootbucket for him, an indication that he is treating his mother as an intimate. This contrasts with the way he refers to the teacher when talking to the principal, when he uses Mr Sutton. 19 Q2. Nicknames can express affection as well as dislike. What clues indicate that Ray is not feeling affectionate towards his teacher? 20 Q2. Nicknames can express affection as well as dislike. What clues indicate that Ray is not feeling affectionate towards his teacher? * We cannot tell from the words Sootbucket or bastard alone whether Ray feels positive or negative about his teacher! 21 Q2. Nicknames can express affection as well as dislike. What clues indicate that Ray is not feeling affectionate towards his teacher? Example 1 Word choice (bastard Sootbucket): Can express friendliness and affection in western (and especially masculine) culture Wider discourse indicates he is making a complaint 22 More examples: WHAT IS DISCOURSE? Discourse 1. anything beyond the sentence 2. language in use 3. a broader range of social practices that include nonlinguistic and nonspecific instances of language (Schiffrin et al., 2003) WHAT IS DISCOURSE? In groups, discuss an example of a discourse that you encounter in your daily life. As you discuss, try to answer the following questions. 1. What is the purpose(s) of this discourse? 2. Who are the intended audience or participants in this discourse? 3. What language features are used in this discourse, and why might they have been chosen? 4. How does the context influence the language used in this discourse? 26 WHAT IS DISCOURSE ANALYSIS? “Many people would define discourse analysis as a sub-field of linguistics, which is the scientific study of language…” “… discourse analysts study the ways sentences and utterances go together to make texts and interactions, and how those texts and interactions fit into our social world.” (Jones, 2012) 27 WHAT IS DISCOURSE ANALYSIS? Different “levels” of language analysis Phonology Morphology Syntax Semantics Pragmatics Anything beyond the sentence (Schiffrin et al., 2003) 28 WHAT IS DISCOURSE ANALYSIS? Discourse analysis vs. grammatical analysis of sentences Grammatical analysis the study of isolated sentences that shows well- or ill-formed grammar without context; invented or idealized sentences (Cook 1989) 29 WHAT IS DISCOURSE ANALYSIS? Discourse analysis vs. grammatical analysis of sentences Grammatical analysis Discourse analysis Discourse analysts look at “real texts” by comparison (Schiffrin et al., 2003) 30 WHAT IS DISCOURSE ANALYSIS? Language in use How people do things with language in a particular context Language is more than just its literal meaning; it can also be used to perform actions. E.g., doctor-patient communication, emergency calls, etc. 31 WHAT IS DISCOURSE ANALYSIS? Language in use How people do things with language in a particular context [Workplace, during a team meeting] e.g., apologizing, promising, threatening or making requests Project Manager: “I’m sorry for the inconvenience caused by my oversight. I realize I have not been as diligent in enforcing the use of our project management software as I should have been. I promise to correct this mistake immediately and ensure it won’t happen again. Could everyone please review the procedures for the software and adhere to them diligently?” apologizing (for the lack of enforcement), promising (better management), making a request (of the team members to review the procedures) WHAT IS DISCOURSE ANALYSIS? Language and social practices Pilarska (2017): Larger systems of thought within a particular historical location that make certain things “thinkable” and “sayable”, and regulating who can say them. https://youtu.be/1kzdHIQLsDA https://youtu.be/8f83CrDM0K4 33 WHAT IS DISCOURSE ANALYSIS? Language and social practices 34 WHAT IS DISCOURSE ANALYSIS? Language and social practices 35 WHAT IS DISCOURSE ANALYSIS? Language and social practices Potter (1997): Discourse analysis “has an analytic commitment to studying discourse as texts and talk in social practices. That is, the focus is not on language as an abstract entity such as a lexicon and set of grammatical rules (in linguistics) … it is the medium for interaction; analysis of discourse becomes, then, analysis of what people do.” 36 DISCOURSE ANALYSTS’ FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS & ASSUMPTIONS Language is always situated in at least four ways: Material World: Language is situated within the material world, and the location of its encounter (e.g., shop sign, textbook, website) influences our interpretation. Relationships: Language is situated within relationships. Our understanding of what people mean is influenced by who they are, how well we know them, and whether or not they have power over us. History: Language is situated in history, in relation to what happened before and what we expect to happen afterwards. Other Language: Language is situated in relation to other language. Utterances and texts always respond to or refer to other utterances and texts, creating a network of discourse. (Jones, 2012) 37 DISCOURSE ANALYSTS’ FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS & ASSUMPTIONS Ambiguity of Language Everyone experiences ambiguity in language, often questioning the real meaning behind what someone said. Communication often carries meanings that are not directly stated in the uttered or written words. E.g., "Do you have a pen?" People need to interpret what others mean, a process that can be unconscious and automatic, but nonetheless involves understanding beyond the literal words. 38 DISCOURSE ANALYSTS’ FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS & ASSUMPTIONS Ambiguity of Language Language is always ‘in the world’ and its meaning and interpretation depends on the context and purpose of its use. Who speaks, when/where it is said, and to whom it is addressed. Example: “Do you have a pen?” 39 DISCOURSE ANALYSTS’ FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS & ASSUMPTIONS Ambiguity of Language Perfectly expressing what we mean all the time is impossible for two main reasons: 40 DISCOURSE ANALYSTS’ FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS & ASSUMPTIONS Ambiguity of Language Perfectly expressing what we mean all the time is impossible for two main reasons: 1. Language is an imperfect tool for expressing precise thoughts and feelings. e.g., the Dani, a New Guinea tribe use only two color terms (black & white, or, more accurately, dark & light) 41 DISCOURSE ANALYSTS’ FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS & ASSUMPTIONS Ambiguity of Language Perfectly expressing what we mean all the time is impossible for two main reasons: 1. Language is an imperfect tool for expressing precise thoughts and feelings. 2. We often intend to communicate more than one thing at a time. E.g., “Do you have a pen?” communicates not only the need for a pen but also feelings not wanting to impose or feeling shy about borrowing 42 EXAMPLES OF DISCOURSE ANALYSIS WHAT IS DISCOURSE AND DISCOURSE ANALYSIS? Example of Discourse Analysis Please describe the discourse phenomenon mentioned in the video. Obama’s Presidential Acceptance Speech https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQHSnld8nOQ 44 WHAT IS DISCOURSE AND DISCOURSE ANALYSIS? Example of Discourse Analysis Hand gestures Increasing Tempo & Volume Deliberate Pause Repetition & Contrast (e.g. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from… It doesn’t matter whether you’re black or white…) Word Choice -- National Self Glorification (e.g. “We are and forever will be the United States of America.”) -- Inclusivity (e.g. “we” & “together”) 45 WHAT IS DISCOURSE AND DISCOURSE ANALYSIS? Deborah Tannen - The sexism inherent in all that interrupting Please describe the discourse phenomenon that you find most interesting as mentioned in the interview. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzc69WXC9ig 46 WHAT IS DISCOURSE AND DISCOURSE ANALYSIS? (micro level) Word choice and sentence structure Superlatives Lexical simplicity Repetition Nonlinguistic communicative means Gesture Smile Inherent sexism & political identity People’s perception: whether they equate men’s interruptions as a sign of status and power? Dilemma? (socially-accepted ‘woman’ vs. capable politician?) (macro level) -- E.g. Should Clinton confront Trump for interrupting her? 47  Mixed gender conversation: A case study of Hong Kong reality show ‘Bachelors at War’ (求愛大作戰) 48 Agenda Research Objectives Introduction Literature Review Methodology Findings and Discussions Conclusion 49 Research Objectives To elucidate how gender differences can be revealed in mixed gender conversation by using data extracted from a Hong Kong reality show, ‘Bachelors at War’ To examine how males and females differ in 3 conversational patterns Turn-taking Interruption Use of euphemism To further examine male and female speech styles in terms of power dominance and face-wants 50 Methodology A study of a 15-episode Hong Kong reality show ‘Bachelors at War’ (BAW) (求愛大作戰) One episode randomly selected from BAW Participants: 8 men from middle-class backgrounds, including a banker, a property manager, a netizen, an overseas Chinese and a swimming instructor 6 ladies all native speakers of Cantonese Daily conversations among the 14 participants Analysis of 40 turns in their conversation 51 Research Objectives To elucidate how gender differences can be revealed in mixed gender conversation by using data extracted from a Hong Kong reality show, ‘Bachelors at War’ To examine how males and females differ in 3 conversational patterns Turn-taking Interruption Use of euphemism To further examine male and female speech styles in terms of power dominance and face-wants 52 Findings and Discussions (Interruption) Gender Dominance- Rapport- Neutral Total no. of related related interruptions interruptions interruptions interruptions Male 6 0 1 7 Female 0 8 1 9 Observation: Males interrupt to display dominance. Females interrupt to achieve rapport. There are fewer neutral interruptions for either gender. 53  Interrupting to display dominance BAW_27-06-2013_15:03-15:34 Whitney: 雖然老鼠仔呢個位唔爭力，但其實我係由香港到而 家都係自己拎個行李喼，所以我係夠力搬落去。 I brought my own suitcase along with me from HK actually, though my muscles are not strong enough. But I am fine to handle it. Justin: 我想插口啊喺呢度，我覺得呢個野就非常之唔啱囉， 你唔應該抖人地啲野嫁嘛。唔好囉，我自己私人覺 得。 I want to interrupt here. I think this is absolutely wrong. You should not move others’ belongings without permission. Context: This is a conversation between four friends. Two of them, Vivian and Sharon, has moved Whitney’s luggage without her permission. – Whitney here expresses her objection in an indirect manner. – Justin shows his support to Whitney and criticizes Vivian and Sharon directly. 54  Interrupting and showing understanding BAW_27-06-2013_15:03-15:34 Rocky: 即係我覺得呢個係一個男仔應該要做既野黎 架，但係個Present個方法可以有第二個好啲。 Actually I think this is what a man should do, but there should be a better way to express it. Sharon: 我明啊我明啊… 因為我… 我明白… 因為我… I do understand. I do because I… Context: Rocky is commenting on how an idea can be better presented. Anticipating that what Rocky is going to say would be unpleasant, Sharon interrupts him to change the direction of the conversation, but even so still tries to show support and understanding.