LINGUISTICS STUDIES 317 : DISCOURSE ANALYSIS BY HANEEFA MOMOH
1.1 DISCOURSE ANALYSIS
Discourse analysis is a field of study that looks at the way language is used in social and
cultural contexts. It examines how language is used to create meaning and to shape our
understanding of the world. There are many different approaches to discourse analysis, but
they all share the same basic goal: to understand how language is used in different contexts
and how it influences our thoughts and actions.
In other words, discourse analysis is the study of how language is used in social and
cultural contexts. It looks at how language is used to create meaning, and how that meaning
is shaped by the context in which it's used.
1.2 CONCEPT OF DISCOURSE ANALYSIS
One important concept in discourse analysis is that of "register." This refers to the way that
language is used in different situations and contexts. For example, the language you use in
a formal business meeting is likely to be very different from the language you use with your
friends.
One way to think about register is to consider the different "codes" that we use in different
situations. For example, the way we talk to our friends might be considered a "casual code,"
while the way we talk in a job interview might be considered a "formal code." There are
many different codes that we use in different situations, and understanding these codes is an
important part of discourse analysis.
A lot of the time, we use these codes without even thinking about it. But once you start to
notice them, you might start to see how they influence the way we communicate with others.
Let's try an example! Imagine you're talking to a friend on the phone, and then your boss
walks into the room. How might your language change when you're speaking to your friend,
and then when you're speaking to your boss?
You'll probably noticed how your tone and language change depending on the situation.
This is an example of a "code switch." Code switching is when we change our language in
order to fit the situation we're in. It's a natural part of communication, and it's something that
we all do, even if we don't always notice it.
1.3 CODE SWITCHING
You've probably noticed how your tone and language change depending on the situation.
This is an example of a "code switch." Code switching is when we change our language in
order to fit the situation we're in. It's a natural part of communication, and it's something that
we all do, even if we don't always notice it.
Code switching is just one aspect of register. Another aspect is called "accommodation."
This is when we change our language to match the person we're talking to. For example, if
, we're talking to someone who speaks a different dialect than we do, we might start to use
words or phrases that are more similar to theirs.
For example Pidgin English, Pidgin English is a good example of how two different codes
can mix together. It's a language that combines English with elements of other languages,
such as Igbo and Yoruba. It's a perfect example of how we can adapt our language to match
the people we're talking to.
Sometimes, Code switching and accommodation can help to build a connection with the
person we're speaking to. On the other hand, it can also be seen as a way of showing
respect. For example, using more formal language when speaking to an authority figure.
Code switching and accommodation can also have negative effects. Sometimes, people can
feel like they have to change their language in order to fit in, and this can make them feel
uncomfortable or like they're not being true to themselves.
1.4 CONVERGENCE
So, another aspect of register is called "convergence." This is when two people who are
speaking to each other start to sound more similar to each other over time. It's a natural
process that happens when we spend a lot of time with someone. This is a really common
phenomenon, and it's something that happens without us even realizing it. It's a way that we
unconsciously adapt to the people around us.
I believe that convergence is a good thing and many people would also agree with me that
convergence is a good thing. It can help us build connections with others and feel more
comfortable in social situations. On the other hand, some people might argue that it can
cause us to lose our own sense of identity.
Convergence is a really thought-provoking topic! It brings up a lot of questions about identity
and authenticity. On one hand, we want to be true to ourselves and express our individuality.
On the other hand, we also want to fit in and be accepted by others.
1.5 FRAMING
This is the way that we present information and ideas in a way that influences how others
perceive them. For example, think about the difference between describing someone as a
"patient" or a "drug addict." These are two very different ways of framing the same person,
and they would lead to very different perceptions.
Framing is really important to understand because it can have a huge impact on how we
perceive and understand the world around us. In fact, some people argue that framing is one
of the most powerful tools we have for shaping our reality.
1.1 DISCOURSE ANALYSIS
Discourse analysis is a field of study that looks at the way language is used in social and
cultural contexts. It examines how language is used to create meaning and to shape our
understanding of the world. There are many different approaches to discourse analysis, but
they all share the same basic goal: to understand how language is used in different contexts
and how it influences our thoughts and actions.
In other words, discourse analysis is the study of how language is used in social and
cultural contexts. It looks at how language is used to create meaning, and how that meaning
is shaped by the context in which it's used.
1.2 CONCEPT OF DISCOURSE ANALYSIS
One important concept in discourse analysis is that of "register." This refers to the way that
language is used in different situations and contexts. For example, the language you use in
a formal business meeting is likely to be very different from the language you use with your
friends.
One way to think about register is to consider the different "codes" that we use in different
situations. For example, the way we talk to our friends might be considered a "casual code,"
while the way we talk in a job interview might be considered a "formal code." There are
many different codes that we use in different situations, and understanding these codes is an
important part of discourse analysis.
A lot of the time, we use these codes without even thinking about it. But once you start to
notice them, you might start to see how they influence the way we communicate with others.
Let's try an example! Imagine you're talking to a friend on the phone, and then your boss
walks into the room. How might your language change when you're speaking to your friend,
and then when you're speaking to your boss?
You'll probably noticed how your tone and language change depending on the situation.
This is an example of a "code switch." Code switching is when we change our language in
order to fit the situation we're in. It's a natural part of communication, and it's something that
we all do, even if we don't always notice it.
1.3 CODE SWITCHING
You've probably noticed how your tone and language change depending on the situation.
This is an example of a "code switch." Code switching is when we change our language in
order to fit the situation we're in. It's a natural part of communication, and it's something that
we all do, even if we don't always notice it.
Code switching is just one aspect of register. Another aspect is called "accommodation."
This is when we change our language to match the person we're talking to. For example, if
, we're talking to someone who speaks a different dialect than we do, we might start to use
words or phrases that are more similar to theirs.
For example Pidgin English, Pidgin English is a good example of how two different codes
can mix together. It's a language that combines English with elements of other languages,
such as Igbo and Yoruba. It's a perfect example of how we can adapt our language to match
the people we're talking to.
Sometimes, Code switching and accommodation can help to build a connection with the
person we're speaking to. On the other hand, it can also be seen as a way of showing
respect. For example, using more formal language when speaking to an authority figure.
Code switching and accommodation can also have negative effects. Sometimes, people can
feel like they have to change their language in order to fit in, and this can make them feel
uncomfortable or like they're not being true to themselves.
1.4 CONVERGENCE
So, another aspect of register is called "convergence." This is when two people who are
speaking to each other start to sound more similar to each other over time. It's a natural
process that happens when we spend a lot of time with someone. This is a really common
phenomenon, and it's something that happens without us even realizing it. It's a way that we
unconsciously adapt to the people around us.
I believe that convergence is a good thing and many people would also agree with me that
convergence is a good thing. It can help us build connections with others and feel more
comfortable in social situations. On the other hand, some people might argue that it can
cause us to lose our own sense of identity.
Convergence is a really thought-provoking topic! It brings up a lot of questions about identity
and authenticity. On one hand, we want to be true to ourselves and express our individuality.
On the other hand, we also want to fit in and be accepted by others.
1.5 FRAMING
This is the way that we present information and ideas in a way that influences how others
perceive them. For example, think about the difference between describing someone as a
"patient" or a "drug addict." These are two very different ways of framing the same person,
and they would lead to very different perceptions.
Framing is really important to understand because it can have a huge impact on how we
perceive and understand the world around us. In fact, some people argue that framing is one
of the most powerful tools we have for shaping our reality.
