John M. Swales
https://doi.org/10.4000/asp.4774 - Reflections on the concept of discourse community
This lecture introduces discourse communities, emphasizing John Swales' six defining characteristics and the importance of understanding these groups for effective communication in various contexts.
What is a Discourse Community?
- A discourse community is a group with a shared goal communicated through specific types of discourse.
- Not all groups qualify as discourse communities; only those meeting certain criteria do.
- Examples include both formal (workplaces and academic groups) and informal (social media and sports teams) communities.
Swales’ Six Characteristics of a Discourse Community
- A discourse community has broadly agreed-upon public goals.
- There are established methods for members to communicate with each other, both formally and informally.
- Communication mechanisms are used primarily for sharing information and providing feedback among active members.
- The community uses specific genres (unique forms of writing or communication) that help achieve its aims.
- Spoken - Written - Formal - Informal
- Board Rooms, Books, Journal Articles, Publications
- Phone, Chat, Text, Forums, Email, Social Media
- Members use specialized lexicon (jargon or terminology) unique to the community.
- The community maintains a threshold level of members with sufficient expertise, including both novices and experts.
Importance and Implications
- Understanding discourse communities helps individuals communicate and write appropriately in various contexts.
- Genres and specialized language can present a learning curve for new members.
- Communities need active participation and mechanisms for novice members to become experts.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Discourse Community — a group united by a shared goal and specialized communication.
- Genre — a unique type of text or communication form specific to a community (e.g., lesson plans, score sheets).
- Feasibility Reports, Scholarly Articles
- Used to fill the needs of discourse communities
- Lexicon — specialized vocabulary or jargon used by a community.
- Participatory Mechanisms — ways community members interact and provide feedback.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the last few pages of the assigned reading on Swales' six characteristics.
- Reflect on your own communities and evaluate if they meet these characteristics.