SG 2056
Qualitative Analysis of Social Research Data
Discourse Analysis
Part One
Discourse analysis refers to the ways in which language, spoken as well as written, depicts
cultural and social viewpoints and identities (Gee, 2014). The term ‘discourse analysis’ was
introduced by Harris in 1952, with the aim of examining “language beyond the level of the
sentence and the relationship between linguistic and non- linguistic behaviour” (Paltridge,
2006, p. 2). Paltridge (2006) states that discourse analysists focus on the way individuals
structure what they say and what they will say next in conversation, or in what they write.
Language is structured in relation to the various ways in which one’s utterances follow as
they are part of different areas of social life (Jorgensen and Phillips, 2002). This varies in
different cultures and languages (Paltridge, 2006).
There are several focuses and ways of conducting discourse analysis. Some analysis may
focus on the themes and language content, whereas some analyse structures of language in
order to gather meaning (Gee, 2014). This essay will endeavour to focus on critical discourse
analysis and apply it to the speech delivered by Theresa May at the Conservative conference.
Critical discourse analysis can be described as neo- Marxist (Fairclough, 1989). Rahimi and
Riasati (2011) state that scholars that use critical discourse analysis believe that choice of
language reflects “intentions, ideology and thought” (p. 170). Critical discourse analysis has
1
, SG 2056
the focus of examining dominant culture, discovering the mechanisms that have made it this
way, and to criticise these. Similarly, according to Fairclough (1989, p. 14), “language is
centrally involved in power, and struggles for power”, thus carrying out critical discourse
analysis allows researchers to deconstruct these structures.
It is claimed that critical discourse analysis is an approach rather than a single method of
analysis, as it incorporates different methods for researching the relationship between social
contexts and the use of language; it is an interdisciplinary approach (Wodak and Mayer,
2001). It analyses texts closely, looking at vocabulary, textual structures and grammar. When
analysis texts using critical discourse analysis, it is important to not only consider what has
been said or written, but also what has been omitted (Rogers, 2004). This idea is also
supported by Fairclough (1989) who states that the term refers to “the whole process of
interaction of which a text is just a part” (p.24).
Following David Cameron’s resignation as Britain’s prime minister, Theresa May filled his
position as leader of the Conservative Party and prime minister. According to Duhaime’s
Law Dictionary (2016), a political speech can be defined as “expressions which comment on
government actions”. It is essential to pay close attention and to analyse May’s rhetoric, as
she discussed key issues and events to follow in a “global Britain” that concerns many parts
of our society every day. Political speeches have the power to sway one’s opinion and can be
the starting point of social change (van Dijk, 1997); thus it is important to critically analyse
the causes of this.
2
Qualitative Analysis of Social Research Data
Discourse Analysis
Part One
Discourse analysis refers to the ways in which language, spoken as well as written, depicts
cultural and social viewpoints and identities (Gee, 2014). The term ‘discourse analysis’ was
introduced by Harris in 1952, with the aim of examining “language beyond the level of the
sentence and the relationship between linguistic and non- linguistic behaviour” (Paltridge,
2006, p. 2). Paltridge (2006) states that discourse analysists focus on the way individuals
structure what they say and what they will say next in conversation, or in what they write.
Language is structured in relation to the various ways in which one’s utterances follow as
they are part of different areas of social life (Jorgensen and Phillips, 2002). This varies in
different cultures and languages (Paltridge, 2006).
There are several focuses and ways of conducting discourse analysis. Some analysis may
focus on the themes and language content, whereas some analyse structures of language in
order to gather meaning (Gee, 2014). This essay will endeavour to focus on critical discourse
analysis and apply it to the speech delivered by Theresa May at the Conservative conference.
Critical discourse analysis can be described as neo- Marxist (Fairclough, 1989). Rahimi and
Riasati (2011) state that scholars that use critical discourse analysis believe that choice of
language reflects “intentions, ideology and thought” (p. 170). Critical discourse analysis has
1
, SG 2056
the focus of examining dominant culture, discovering the mechanisms that have made it this
way, and to criticise these. Similarly, according to Fairclough (1989, p. 14), “language is
centrally involved in power, and struggles for power”, thus carrying out critical discourse
analysis allows researchers to deconstruct these structures.
It is claimed that critical discourse analysis is an approach rather than a single method of
analysis, as it incorporates different methods for researching the relationship between social
contexts and the use of language; it is an interdisciplinary approach (Wodak and Mayer,
2001). It analyses texts closely, looking at vocabulary, textual structures and grammar. When
analysis texts using critical discourse analysis, it is important to not only consider what has
been said or written, but also what has been omitted (Rogers, 2004). This idea is also
supported by Fairclough (1989) who states that the term refers to “the whole process of
interaction of which a text is just a part” (p.24).
Following David Cameron’s resignation as Britain’s prime minister, Theresa May filled his
position as leader of the Conservative Party and prime minister. According to Duhaime’s
Law Dictionary (2016), a political speech can be defined as “expressions which comment on
government actions”. It is essential to pay close attention and to analyse May’s rhetoric, as
she discussed key issues and events to follow in a “global Britain” that concerns many parts
of our society every day. Political speeches have the power to sway one’s opinion and can be
the starting point of social change (van Dijk, 1997); thus it is important to critically analyse
the causes of this.
2
