Discourse
1. In linguistics, discourse
refers to a unit of language longer than a single sentence.
2. More broadly, discourse is the use of
spoken or written language in a social context.
3.
In
semantics and discourse
analysis : Discourse is a conceptual generalization of conversation within each modality and
context of communication.
4.
The
totality of codified language (vocabulary) used in a given field of
intellectual enquiry and of social practice, such as legal discourse, medical
discourse, religious discourse, et cetera.
5.
In
the work of Michel
Foucault,
and that of the social theoreticians he inspired: discourse describes
"an entity of sequences, of signs, in that they are enouncements (énoncés)",
statements in conversation.
Analysis
1. a
careful study of something to learn about its parts, what they do, and how they
are related to each other
2. an explanation of the nature and meaning of
something
3. A systematic examination and evaluation of data or information, by breaking it into its component parts to uncover their interrelationships. Opposite of synthesis.
4. An examination of data and facts to uncover and understand cause-effect relationships, thus providing basis for problem solving and decision making.
5. Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy, 2nd
ed., 1999, ed. Robert Audi
the process of breaking up a concept, proposition, linguistic complex,
or fact into its simple or ultimate constituents.
6. Concise Oxford Dictionary, 1976,
ed. J. B. Sykes Resolution
into simpler elements by analysing (opp. synthesis);
statement of result of this; … 2. (Math.) Use of algebra and calculus in
problem-solving.
7. Dictionary of Philosophy and Psychology, 1925,
ed. James Mark Baldwin The
isolation of what is more elementary from what is more complex by whatever
method.
Discourse Analysis
1.
Discourse
analysis is a broad term
for the study of the ways in which language is used in texts and
contexts. Also called discourse
studies.
2.
Discourse analysis is a hybrid field of enquiry.
Its "lender disciplines" are to be found within various corners of
the human and social sciences, with complex historical affiliations and a lot
of cross-fertilisation taking place. However, this complexity and mutual
influencing should not be mistaken for "compatibility" between the
various traditions. Nor is compatability necessarily a desirable aim, as much
is to be gained from the exploration of problematical and critical edges and
from making the most of theoretical tensions. Traditions and crossover
phenomena are best understood historically - both in mutually supportive and
antagonistic terms and as subject to developments internal to specific
"disciplines".
3.
Discourse Analysis as a research
method. Indeed, rather than providing a particular method, Discourse
Analysis can be characterized as a way of approaching and thinking about a
problem. In this sense, Discourse Analysis is neither a qualitative nor a
quantitative research method, but a manner of questioning the basic assumptions
of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Discourse Analysis does
not provide a tangible answer to problems based on scientific research, but it
enables access to the ontological and epistemological assumptions behind a
project, a statement, a method of research, or - to provide an example from the
field of Library and Information Science - a system of classification. In
other words, Discourse Analysis will enable to reveal the hidden motivations
behind a text or behind the choice of a particular method of research to
interpret that text.
Conclusion
In my case, Discourse is the creation and
organization of the segments of a language above as well as below the sentence.
The term discourse applies to both spoken and written language, in fact to any
sample of language used for any purpose. discourse describes "an
entity of sequences, of signs, in that they are enouncements statements in
conversation. And Analysis study of something to learn about analyzing its
parts, what they do, and how they are related to each other. Last, Discourse
Analysis is all about anything, like analyzing everything, such as, speech,
facial expression, look, language, etc.
References
