Discourse Analysis Flashcards
1
Q
Describe discourse analysis
A
- Approach where language is not regarded as reflecting internal thoughts; language is the object of study
- Language isn’t just a way of expressing thoughts; its how we make sense of construct objects
- Language is not a way of conveying knowledge
- Language is how we construct objects in the world
- Language is not separate from our thoughts
- Language is how we have thoughts
2
Q
Discourse analysis method
A
- Which form of discourse will you study?
- How are various groups portrayed in the text? How are they talked about?
- Who benefits from this discourse? Who is exerting power over who? Which group is being empowered/disempowered?
- How do they do it? Which bits of discourse are being used to reinforce those people?
3
Q
What are subject positions
A
Typically includes:
- Author (whose text is it)
- Audience (who is it aimed at)
- Character (who is spoken to, who is spoken about, who is empowered/disempowered)
