Further Training 2 (Presentation Summaries)

Discourse analysis - A Brief Historical Overview Form and Function. - Speech Acts and
Discourse Structures.
Discourse analysis looks at how people use language to communicate, studying everything from
everyday conversations to written texts. It explores how language creates meaning, reflects social
realities, and affects power dynamics. There are different types of discourse analysis, like
analyzing conversations, uncovering power relations, studying different modes of
communication, and using large collections of texts for analysis. The history of discourse
analysis traces back to early studies of language and literature, evolving into a modern field in
the 1970s with influences from linguistics, pragmatics, and social theory. Speech act theory,
developed by Austin and Searle, explains how language not only conveys information but also
performs actions, with different types of speech acts like directives or declarations.
Understanding the form and function of language is important in both linguistic and sociological
analyses. Formalist approaches focus on the formal elements of a text, while functionalist
approaches view society as a complex system with specific functions for each part. To put it
simply, discourse analysis reveals how language shapes our understanding of the world and
influences social structures.

The Scope of Discourse Analysis – Spoken Discourse: Models of Analysis – Conversations

Discourse analysis is all about understanding how people communicate through language in it’s
written and spoken form, and how it shapes our social world. It is similar to dissecte
conversations and texts to see what they really mean and how they work. This helps us see how
language affects relationships and behaviors, like in politics or teaching. There are different ways
to analyze discourse. For example, looking at the grammar and structure or focusing on how
language functions in social interactions. In teaching, it is super useful because it helps teachers
communicate better, understand students' needs, and create a positive atmosphere in the
classroom. By analyzing conversations, we can see how people take turns talking, respond to
each other, and achieve their goals, like making plans for the weekend. In other words, discourse
analysis helps us understand language and communication in a deeper way, showing us how
dynamic and powerful they can be in our everyday lives.
Written Discourse – Texts and Interpretation – Larger Pattern in Text.
Understanding texts and their interpretation is vital in various aspects of our lives. A text is not
just limited to written materials like books or articles; it encompasses everything that conveys
meaning, from movies and paintings to facial expressions and even online content.
Interpretation, on the other hand, involves explaining and understanding the meaning of
something, whether it is spoken, written, or signed language. There are different types of
interpretation, such as consecutive, simultaneous, and sight translation, each serving a unique
purpose in conveying messages effectively. When interpreting texts, it is crucial to grasp the
author's original motives and intentions. This requires looking beyond our own biases and
circumstances to understand why the text was written and for whom. Rather than focusing solely
on how the text makes us feel, we should pay attention to the author's illocutionary intentions –
the purpose behind their words. By doing so, we can achieve a more accurate interpretation and
foster meaningful discussions in our society. Moreover, written discourse plays a significant role
in communication, offering clarity, permanence, and global reach. Through careful construction
of sentences and ideas, written discourse allows us to convey thoughts precisely and ensure they
are understood by diverse audiences. Key elements such as syntax, grammar, coherence,
cohesion, and punctuation contribute to effective written communication, enhancing clarity and
understanding. Recognizing larger patterns within texts, such as structural, narrative, stylistic,
and thematic patterns, provides deeper insights into the text's meaning and significance. By
identifying these patterns, readers can engage in a more profound analysis, uncover symbolism,
and appreciate the artistic and literary merits of the text.

Discourse Analysis and Grammar – Grammatical Cohesion and Textuality – Reference

Discourse analysis examines the structure and content of texts longer than a single sentence in a
way that consider both linguistic elements and socio-linguistic context. It entails textuality,
grammatical cohesion, and reference. Textuality explores the attributes of a text from spoken
words to written works in order to reveal its meaning. Grammatical cohesion ensures a text's
coherence by linking ideas through linguistic devices like reference, substitution, and
conjunctions. Reference involves indicating previously mentioned or forthcoming elements to
reinforce the discourse's argument or persuasion. An understanding of reference aids in avoiding
plagiarism and supporting arguments with evidence. In discourse, referring expressions are
context-bound, whereas references are broader. Indefinite and definite noun phrases may or may
not serve as referring expressions depending on context. Grammatical cohesion, textuality, and
reference are essential for clarity, coherence, and credibility in writing so as to convey ideas
effectively and building trust with the audience.

Ellipsis and Substitution – Conjunction - Theme and Rheme – Tense and Aspect.
Ellipsis, substitution, conjunctions, theme, and tense aspects are all fundamental elements of
language that contribute to effective communication. Ellipsis involves omitting unnecessary
words or phrases, enhancing coherence and efficiency in discourse. Nominal ellipsis, gapping,
verb phrase ellipsis, pseudogapping, and stripping are common types. Substitution replaces
words or expressions to avoid repetition and maintain naturalness in speech. Nominal, verbal,
and clausal substitutions serve different functions in communication. Conjunctions connect
words or groups of words, coordinating or subordinating them in a sentence. Coordinating
conjunctions like "and" and "but" connect independent clauses, while conjunctive adverbs like
"however" transition between sentences or paragraphs. Subordinating conjunctions link
dependent and independent clauses, indicating relationships like cause and effect or time
sequence. Correlative conjunctions come in pairs and connect equal grammatical terms. Themes
represent the main idea or point of departure in a sentence or text, while rhemes elaborate on or
provide additional information about the theme. Themes can be topical, interpersonal, or implied,
while rhemes complement themes by offering new details or perspectives. Tense indicates when
an action or event occurs (past, present, future), while aspect conveys how it unfolds over time,
indicating duration, completion, or ongoing nature. Simple, continuous, perfect, and perfect
continuous aspects provide different nuances to actions or events in language, enriching
communication. Overall, understanding and utilizing these linguistic features contribute to clear,
concise, and effective expression.

Discourse Analysis and Vocabulary – Lexis in Talk – Lexical Cohesion

Discourse analysis, vocabulary, lexis in talk, and lexical cohesion are crucial for understanding
language and communication dynamics. Discourse analysis, as Foucault suggests, highlights
how communication shapes knowledge and truth. Vocabulary's power lies in its ability to
influence emotions and actions, emphasizing the importance of mindful language use, especially
in educational settings. Lexis in talk enhances precision, clarity, and helps convey intentions and
emotions effectively, while contextual factors influence its usage. Lexical cohesion fosters
coherence in discourse through various devices like reiteration and synonymy, aiding
comprehension and language proficiency in EFL contexts. In essence, integrating these elements
enriches language learning and communication effectiveness.
Textual Aspects of Lexical Competence - Vocabulary and The Organizing of Text - Signaling
Textual Patterns
Understanding textual aspects of lexical competence is essential for effective communication.
Lexical competence encompasses not only the knowledge of words and their meanings but also
the ability to use them appropriately in different contexts. One crucial aspect is genre
conventions, which dictate the language and style used in various types of writing. For instance,
academic writing demands formal language, while fiction allows for more creativity. Mastery of
referential and inferential competence further enhances lexical ability, enabling individuals to
apply words accurately and infer meanings from context. Additionally, vocabulary range, word
choice, collocation, idioms, and word formation contribute to lexical competence, allowing
individuals to express themselves precisely and fluently. In teaching vocabulary, discourse
analysis proves invaluable, as it helps learners understand how words function within authentic
texts. Moreover, textual organization, signaled by techniques like headings and transition words,
aids comprehension and coherence in writing. By recognizing and utilizing these textual patterns,
both teachers and learners can enhance their linguistic proficiency and effectively navigate the
complexities of language.