Discourse Analysis: Language, Cognition, and Society

Discourse Analysis

The Study of Discourse

Discourse can be described as a form of verbal interaction encompassing three main dimensions: language use, communication of beliefs (cognition), and interaction in social situations. Discourse studies provide systematic descriptions of these dimensions and formulate theories explaining their relationships. These studies also examine the properties of text and talk within their respective contexts.

Challenges in Discourse Studies

• Ambiguity of the definition: Differentiating between the abstract and specific uses of "discourse" is crucial.
• Delimiting discourses sometimes requires theoretical notions and considerations of the communicative context.

Discourse as Social Action and Interaction

Discourse can also be understood as social actions performed through language. This includes speech acts, conversation analysis, and the interplay between abstract structures (competence) and actual language use (performance).

Cognition in Discourse

A comprehensive theory of discourse must incorporate a mental component (cognitive and emotional). Language users possess and share a vast repertoire of sociocultural beliefs. The mental dimensions of language use (processes and representations) influence both production and comprehension of text and talk, leading to personal variations in discourse. Beyond individual cognition, discourse involves sociocultural cognition.

Sociocultural Cognition

• Encompasses shared knowledge, beliefs, values, norms, rules, expectations, and opinions.
• Facilitates mutual understanding.
• Influences language use, behavior, and discourse.

Discourse and Society

Context, defined as the relevant properties of the social situation, plays a crucial role in discourse. Contextual features not only influence discourse but are also influenced by it. Discourse reflects the social properties of participants, such as gender, class, ethnicity, age, origin, position, and other group memberships. Discourse and its users have a dialectic relationship with their context.