Discourse refers to the structured use of language in communication. It involves sequences of sentences, conversations, and texts that convey meaning beyond isolated words or phrases. Discourse encompasses both spoken and written forms of communication and includes non-verbal elements that contribute to the overall meaning.
Definitions of Discourse
Definition 1:
Discourse is “the use of language in speech and writing in order to produce meaning.”
- Reference: Gee, J. P. (2014). An Introduction to Discourse Analysis: Theory and Method. Routledge.
- Explanation: This definition emphasizes the role of language as a tool for creating meaning in both spoken and written forms. It highlights how discourse involves not just the words themselves, but how they are used in specific contexts to convey messages, ideas, and meanings.
Definition 2:
Discourse is “a particular way of talking about and understanding the world (or an aspect of the world).”
- Reference: Fairclough, N. (1992). Discourse and Social Change. Polity Press.
- Explanation: This definition focuses on discourse as a method of interpreting and discussing reality. It suggests that discourse shapes our understanding of various aspects of the world, such as politics, culture, and society, through the specific language and frameworks we use.
