Discourse Analysis Lecture Notes

Introduction

• The lecture covers the topic of Discourse Analysis.
• It explains what discourse analysis is, its strengths and weaknesses, and when to use/not use it.
• Aimed to help students decide if this method is appropriate for their research project.

What is Discourse Analysis?

• Definition: A qualitative analysis method focusing on the subjective underlying meaning of language in written or spoken communication within its context.
• Sources of Data: Can be obtained from interviews, speeches, group discussions, transcripts, and recordings.
• Purpose: To interpret language within its social, cultural, political, and historical context to draw out its meaning.

Example

• Context: Analyzing people’s perceptions of government policy on immigration.
• Data: Interview transcripts.
• Objective: Identify and analyze the intended meaning of words rather than their definition or frequency.

Approaches to Discourse Analysis

1. Language-in-Use Approach

• Focuses on the technicalities of language such as grammar, syntax, and phonology.
• Example: Analyzing sentence structure to reveal speech patterns that reflect power or privilege.

2. Socio-Political Approach (Social Constructivist Approach)

• Focuses on the use and dynamics of power and power relations.
• Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA): Inspired by Michel Foucault, focusing on how language reflects power in society.
• Example: Analyzing university students’ opinions of professors, revealing different forms of power.

Strengths of Discourse Analysis

• Versatile data sources (text-based and non-text-based).
• Incorporates context, providing real-world implications for the research area.
• Provides insights into social realities, hierarchies, and ideologies.

Weaknesses of Discourse Analysis

• Interpretive Expertise: Requires deep understanding of language nuances.
• Reliability: Subjective interpretation can affect findings and conclusions.
• Time-Consuming: Requires substantial time for thorough analysis.

When to Use Discourse Analysis

• Appropriate for research focusing on social, political, or cultural phenomena and changes across communicative contexts.
• Example: Evaluating changes in social attitudes to poverty through political speeches or newspaper articles.
• Inappropriate for narrowly-focused research not concerned with the meaning of language use.
• Example: Better methods for certain research aims could include thematic analysis.

Conclusion

• Discourse analysis is ideal for interpreting meaning from language within its context.
• Two main approaches: language-in-use and socio-political.
• Has strengths and weaknesses that need to be considered.
• Generally suited for research that interprets language in context to derive meaning.