Discourse

Discourse is a term used in linguistics and social sciences to refer to any written or spoken communication. Discourse can be understood as a form of social practice, which implies that it is not only a mode of communication but also a means of action. It is a broad concept that includes not only language use but also social, cultural, and political dimensions.

Definition

In the field of linguistics, discourse is a unit of language longer than a single sentence. The word discourse is derived from the latin discursus which means "running to and from". It denotes written and spoken communications such as:

• In semiotics, discourse is understood as an instance of communication, often in a social context.
• In sociolinguistics, discourse is an instance of language use, prompted by social, cultural, and political patterns and norms.
• In the work of Michel Foucault, discourse is understood as a system of thought composed of ideas, attitudes, courses of action, beliefs and practices that systematically construct the subjects and the worlds of which they speak.

Types of Discourse

There are several types of discourse, including:

• Narrative Discourse: A way of structuring and sequencing events and experiences in a story form.
• Argumentative Discourse: A type of discourse where the speaker or writer aims to convince the audience of their viewpoint.
• Descriptive Discourse: This type of discourse is used to provide a detailed description of a place, person, idea, or event.
• Expository Discourse: This type of discourse is used to explain, describe or inform about a particular topic.

Discourse Analysis

Discourse analysis is a method of studying and analyzing a discourse. It involves looking at both language form and language function and includes the study of both spoken interaction and written texts. It identifies linguistic features used by the speakers to shape and structure the discourse for their own purposes.

See Also

• Conversation analysis
• Critical discourse analysis
• Discursive psychology
• Interactional sociolinguistics
• Pragmatics
• Semiotics
• Sociolinguistics

References

Discourse Resources
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