“Discourse” and “Discourse Analysis”: Front-burner Notions

Abstract

In this study, we examine front-burner notions in two discrete terms: “discourse” and “discourse analysis”. Discourse analysis is not a new field of language study. This is why numerous notions abound therein, for the elucidation of language-related phenomena in human communication across genres. Some of the phenomena are so contentious that critical notions in discourse and discourse analysis continue to evolve. Discourse is human interaction. It has structure which is analyzed to reveal not just meanings, but also the underpinnings of such meanings. Linguistic conventions and extra-linguistic nuances underpin textual meanings to provide rich insights into the dynamics of language use in texts. A discourse analyst is interested in the discourse strategies deployed by speakers and writers for the purpose of effective communication. In this study, notions presented and examined are essentially explanative in terms of elucidating communicative strategies of language users. This view establishes the similarity between discourse analysis and pragmatics. The study concludes that discourse analysis is: context-based, functional, socially realistic, organizational structure, part of a whole, on-going communication and cross-disciplinary