This paper has been designed to provide an efficient overview of theoretical discourse analysis by discussing the following questions: – What is discourse analysis – defining the difference between the terms text and discourse and discourse analysis itself.
As well as: What are the basic concepts and aspects of discourse analysis – taking a closer look at context, coherence, the importance of background knowledge and the differences between spoken and written language. And finally: What are the uses of discourse analysis – investigating on the problem of application and social relevance of discourse analysis.
Table of Contents
I.) Introduction
II.) What is Discourse Analysis?
II. a) What is Discourse?
II. b) What is Text?
II. c) Some Attempts to Define Discourse Analysis
III.) Concepts and Aspects of Discourse Analysis
III. a) Context
III. b) Coherence
III. c) Background Knowledge
III. d) Differences between Spoken and Written Language
IV.) The Application and Social Relevance of Discourse Analysis
VI.) Bibliography
Objectives and Topics
This paper aims to provide a theoretical overview of discourse analysis by exploring the distinctions between text and discourse, examining core concepts such as context and coherence, and investigating the social relevance and application of discourse analytical methods.
- Definitions and conceptual boundaries of text and discourse.
- Core aspects of discourse analysis, including context and background knowledge.
- Comparative analysis of spoken versus written language.
- Practical and social applications of discourse analysis in contemporary research.
Excerpt from the Book
III. b) Coherence
Concerning the pragmatics of discourse, what language users have most in mind is an assumption of coherence, that what is said or written will make sense in terms of their ‘normal’ experience of things. That ‘normal’ will be locally interpreted by each individual and hence will be tied to the familiar and the expected. The emphasis on familiarity and knowledge here is necessary because we tend to make instant interpretations of familiar material and as well tend not to see possible alternatives (Yule 1996:84-85).
Common sense is an appropriate example for the familiar and the expected: “A motor vehicle accident was reported in front of Kennedy Theatre involving a male and a female”.8 Whoever reads this sentence is unlikely to puzzle over what a ‘male’ or a ‘female’ might be. And we also fill in details – for example a male person driving one of the motor vehicles – to create coherence; it would be the addition of something the reader has in mind and not something the text exactly says.
Summary of Chapters
I.) Introduction: Outlines the scope of the paper, detailing the intention to provide an efficient overview of discourse analysis based on coursework from 2003 and 2004.
II.) What is Discourse Analysis?: Explores foundational definitions of "discourse" and "text," highlighting how various scholars distinguish or interchange these two terms.
III.) Concepts and Aspects of Discourse Analysis: Examines pragmatic perspectives, focusing on how context, coherence, and background knowledge influence our understanding of language.
IV.) The Application and Social Relevance of Discourse Analysis: Discusses the utility of discourse analysis in social sciences and its role in revealing cognitive and social strategies in human communication.
VI.) Bibliography: Lists the academic sources and literature utilized throughout the paper.
Keywords
Discourse Analysis, Text, Context, Coherence, Background Knowledge, Pragmatics, Spoken Language, Written Language, Schema, Scripts, Interlanguage Pragmatics, Social Relevance, Communication, Cross-Cultural Pragmatics, Linguistic Research
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this academic paper?
The paper provides a theoretical overview of discourse analysis, investigating the differences between text and discourse, the fundamental concepts guiding the field, and the practical social applications of the discipline.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
Key themes include the distinction between discourse and text, the role of context and background knowledge in communication, the characteristics of spoken versus written language, and the social relevance of discourse analysis.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to offer an efficient introduction to theoretical discourse analysis by answering fundamental questions regarding its definitions, mechanisms, and application to social issues.
Which scientific methods are primarily addressed?
The paper discusses discourse analysis as a method to investigate the structural mechanisms of communication, covering both the pragmatic perspective and the analysis of social/cognitive strategies.
What topics are covered in the main body of the text?
The main body covers definitions of discourse and text, the role of pragmatics (context, coherence, background knowledge), the differences between spoken and written registers, and the critical debate surrounding the social relevance of the field.
How would you characterize this work using keywords?
The work is characterized by terms such as Discourse Analysis, Pragmatics, Context, Coherence, Schemata, and Social Relevance.
How does the author define the relationship between 'text' and 'discourse'?
The author notes that while some linguists treat the terms as interchangeable, others, like Nunan, distinguish them by viewing text as a record of communication and discourse as the communication situated within its specific context.
What role do 'scripts' and 'schemata' play in understanding discourse?
They act as pre-existing knowledge structures. 'Schemata' function as patterns for interpreting the world, while 'scripts' specifically help users navigate event sequences, such as the social expectations when visiting a restaurant.
- Quote paper
- M.A. Alexander Täuschel (Author), 2004, Basic Concepts of Discourse Analysis, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/120981
