Linguistics: Discourse Analysis - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages... In the attempt to communicate the topic is chosen and actions are performed then translated. Discourse analysis tends to illustrate ‘beyond the sentence’ Fairclough (2012: 281). Language analysts disseminate and analyze the form of communication bits by bits. Fairclough (2012: 281) points out that the role of a discourse analyst is to identify and state the different meanings. A good example is a sign written ‘conference hall for members only’ and another one at the same location written ‘please use the garden not the conference hall’. One is able only to integrate the first sign after reading the second sign post. Sometimes people take two related sentences interdependently and come up with a different perspective on the issue. It is possible for words to be dependent on other words and an attempt to separate would mean changing the original meaning. Words that go hand in hand are used to create emphasis or to represent a certain group (Coello and Bartolo, 2013: 23). The related words are recognized easily because the words are commonly used. When making a speech the speaker may use the related words to communicate to the audience effectively. The use of common vocabulary in this case assist the listeners relate the words to their real representation. Below are some of the ways language is manipulated to a particular point of view. Use of discourse and frames to introduce a topic. This is the process where the person gets to find out what the topic frame is all about. It is hard to conceptualize text or spoken words without finding out what is the topic about. Authors’ sometimes frame articles artistically in a manner that attracts an audience then they later introduce the main issue. It is very easy for the audience to get caught up by what attracted them at first that they do not pay attention to the main issue. For instance, a headline such as North Korea launches missile on the New York daily post is bound to stick on the readers to read the story New York Post (2013: 1). Here discourse analysis because what served as an attracter takes the centre stage in the audience’s mind. A comedian for example can stand on stage and open the show with many light jokes and goes on to remark on a serious note about a current political situation. The likelihood is that the people in the room will not take it serious despite the fact that some may hold a different opinion. The frame placed by the comedian already has the audience attentive and because the show starts with jokes the audience carry the same all through the show. Conversation is one of the most common forms of communication. When talking the parties involved need to coordinate in order to communicate effectively. This means that the people engaged in the conversation must learn how to take turns while speaking (Coelle and Bartollo, 2013: 132). The speakers in this case should identify when to interject and when to pass over the conversation to the next person. Signals here are often used to represent the turnover of conversation from one person to the next. For example one can choose to pose a question to another person as a way of involving the other person. Words like ‘What do you think Ann? Or ‘do you agree with the theory John?’ act as an exchange of the person talking to the next (Coello and Bartolo, 2013: 132). Non-verbal signs are also used to invite other people to join ...Download file to see next pagesRead More