Discourse Analysis: Origins and Definitions
W
HAT
IS
D
ISCOURSE
A
NALYSIS
Ban Ibrahem
The term discourse analysis was first employed by
Zelling Harris as the name for “ a method for the
analysis of the connected speech or writing for
continuing descriptive linguistics beyond the limit of a
single sentence at a time and for correlating culture
and language” ( Harris 1952)
The word discourse is an elastic term
The word discourse has a complex history. It is used in
a range of different ways by different theorists.
Originally the word “discourse” comes from Latin,
‘discursus’ which denote ‘conversations’ , ‘speech’.
As a noun it can mean verbal communication, talk,
formal speech or writing on a subject and a unit of
text used by linguists for the analysis of linguistic
phenomena that range over more than one sentence
W
HAT
IS
DISCOURSE
IN
LANGUAGE
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Etymologically, the word ‘discourse’ dates back to the
14th century. It is taken from the Latin word
‘discursus’ which means a ‘conversation’ (McArthur,
1996). In its current usage, this term conveys a
number of significations for a variety of purposes, but
in all cases it relates to language, and it describes it in
some way.
To start with, discourse is literally defined as ‘a
serious speech or piece of writing on a particular
subject’ (Longman Dictionary of Contemporary
English, 2001, p.388). In this general sense, it
incorporates both the spoken and written modes
although, at times, it is confined to speech being
designated as ‘a serious conversation between
people’ . This restriction is also implied in the word
when it is used as a verb
T
WO
MAIN
AREA
IN
DA
It is centrally occupied with two main linguistic
functions:
The interpersonal
Textual
L
INGUISTIC
FUNCTION
OF
DA
Because it focuses on
the way in which we
use language as a
means f interacting
with others
Because it also focuses
on our ability to
construct coherent/
cohesive texts
Texts can be written
or spoken
Interpersonal
Textual
Types of Discourse
While every act of communication can count as
an example of discourse, some scholars have
broken discourse down into four primary types:
argument,
narration
,
description
, and
exposition
. Many acts of communicate include
more than one of these types in quick succession.
Argument
: A form of communication meant to
convince an audience that the writer or speaker
is correct, using evidence and reason.
Narration
: This form of communication tells a
story, often with emotion and empathy involved.
Description:
A form of communication that
relies on the five senses to help the audience
visualize something.
Exposition
: Exposition is used to inform the
audience of something with relatively neutral
language, i.e., it’s not meant to persuade or evoke
emotion.
Discourse analysis, a method for analyzing connected speech or writing, was first coined by Zelling Harris in 1952. The term "discourse" has varied meanings and has its roots in Latin. It encompasses extended language units that have unity and purpose. Discourse is one of the four language systems and serves as a bridge between culture and language. The term has evolved over time, emphasizing the significance of language in conveying various meanings and purposes.
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Presentation Transcript
WHAT IS DISCOURSE ANALYSIS Ban Ibrahem
The term discourse analysis was first employed by Zelling Harris as the name for a method for the analysis of the connected speech or writing for continuing descriptive linguistics beyond the limit of a single sentence at a time and for correlating culture and language ( Harris 1952)
The word discourse is an elastic term The word discourse has a complex history. It is used in a range of different ways by different theorists. Originally the word discourse comes from Latin, discursus which denote conversations , speech . As a noun it can mean verbal communication, talk, formal speech or writing on a subject and a unit of text used by linguists for the analysis of linguistic phenomena that range over more than one sentence
WHAT IS DISCOURSE IN LANGUAGE? Discourse is one of the four systems of language, the others being vocabulary, grammar and phonology. Discourse has various definitions but one way of thinking about it is as any piece of extended language, written or spoken, that has unity and meaning and purpose.
Etymologically, the word discourse dates back to the 14th century. It is taken from the Latin word discursus which means a conversation (McArthur, 1996). In its current usage, this term conveys a number of significations for a variety of purposes, but in all cases it relates to language, and it describes it in some way.
To start with, discourse is literally defined as a serious speech or piece of writing on a particular subject (Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, 2001, p.388). In this general sense, it incorporates both the spoken and written modes although, at times, it is confined to speech being designated as a serious conversation between people . This restriction is also implied in the word when it is used as a verb
TWO MAIN AREA IN DA It is centrally occupied with two main linguistic functions: The interpersonal Textual
LINGUISTIC FUNCTION OF DA Interpersonal Textual Because it focuses on Because it also focuses the way in which we on our ability to use language as a construct coherent/ means f interacting cohesive texts Texts can be written or spoken with others
Types of Discourse While every act of communication can count as an example of discourse, some scholars have broken discourse down into four primary types: argument, narration, description, and exposition. Many acts of communicate include more than one of these types in quick succession.
Argument: A form of communication meant to convince an audience that the writer or speaker is correct, using evidence and reason. Narration: This form of communication tells a story, often with emotion and empathy involved. Description: A form of communication that relies on the five senses to help the audience visualize something. Exposition: Exposition is used to inform the audience of something with relatively neutral language, i.e., it s not meant to persuade or evoke emotion.
