Discourse Analysis

Belen Garces Troncoso. General Linguistics II

What is Discourse Analysis?

Discourse analysis is the examination of language use by members of a speech community. It involves looking at both language form and language function and includes the study of both spoken interaction and written texts

What is a Discourse?

Discourse is a continuous stretch of (especially spoken) language larger than a sentence, often constituting a coherent unit such as a sermon, argument, joke, or narrative.
(Crystal 1992:25)

Seven Criteria to be fulfilled to qualify either a written or a spoken text.

 Cohesion - grammatical relationship between parts of a sentence essential for its interpretation Coherence - the order of statements relates one another by sense. Intentionality - the message has to be conveyed deliberately and consciously Acceptability - indicates that the communicative product needs to be satisfactory in that the audience approves it; Informativeness - some new information has to be included in the discourse Situationality - circumstances in which the remark is made are important Intertextuality - reference to the world outside the text or the interpreters schemata.

Types of Discourse

Depending on the form linguists distinguish various kinds of communicative products. -Informative: when it conveys some knowledge. -Narrative: when the stress is on a symptom aspect the fulfilled function is expression. -Argumentative: its characterized by the accent on the signal aspect.

Written and Spoken Discourse

Speech, develops in time in that the speaker says with the speed that is suitable for him. Its difficult to imagine a conversation in which every sentence is to be rephrased. Moreover, talking might be spontaneous, which results in mistakes, repetition, sometimes less coherent sentences, where even grunts, stutters or pauses are meaningful. As interlocutors are most often in face-to-face encounters (unless using a phone) they take advantage of extra linguistics signals, gestures, expressions such as here, now or this are used. Rhythm, intonation and speed of uttering are also significant features.

Written and Spoken Discourse

writing develops in space in that it needs to carry information. The writer is frequently able to consider the content of his work for almost unlimited period of time which makes it more coherent and having a complex syntax. What is more, the reader might not be able to respond to the text instantly or ask for clarification, additionally, owing the lack of context expressions such as now or here are omitted.

Discourse expressed Formally and Informally

Formal discourse: its stricter in that it requires the use of passive voice, lack of contracted forms together with impersonality, complex sentence structure and, vocabulary derived from Latin. Informal discourse: it makes use of active voice mainly, with personal pronouns and verbs which show feelings such as 'I think', 'we believe'

Comparing written and spoken texts

Written language Functions of written language: action: e.g. public signs, product labels and instructions, recipes, maps, TV-guides, bills, menus, telephone directories.; social contact: e.g. letters, postcards, greeting cards; information: e.g. newspapers, magazines, non-fiction books, textbooks, advertisements, reports, guidebooks; entertainment: e.g. light magazines, fiction books, poetry, drama, film subtitles, games.

Spoken language
Intonation expresses grammatical, attitudinal, and discourse meaning. Tone (melody): fall, rise-fall, rise, fall-rise, level Prominence It was INteresting. It WAS interesting. Functions of spoken language: action: guidelines or directions given, teacher instructions; social contact: telephone conversations, chats; information: lecture, presentation, political speech; entertainment: jokes, radio program

 Carter, R., Goddard, A., Reah, D., Sanger. K, & Bowring, M. (2008). Working with Texts: A Core Introduction to Language Analysis. Cook, G. (1989). Discourse. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Crystal, D. (2006) How Language Works. London: Penguin. Halliday, M. & Hasan, R. (1976). Cohesion in English. London: Longman. McCarthy, M. (1991). Discourse Analysis for Language Teachers. Cambridge; New York: Cambridge University Press. Paltridge, B. (2006). Discourse Analysis: An Introduction. London: Continuum.

 Discourse is divided into six types:

presentation, message, report, public debate, conversation and interview.