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Full name: Nguyen Thi Cam Van
Student code: A40574
ESSENTIAL IN DISCOURSE ANALYSIS YOU’VE GRASPED SO FAR

Discourse analysis: Discourse analysis often known as discourse studies which is a
method for analyzing written, spoken, and sign language, as well as any major semiotic
event. Discourse analysis objects (discourse, writing, conversation, communicative event)
are variably characterized as coherent sequences of phrases, propositions, speech, or
turns-at-talk. The work in linguistics, philosophy, logic, semiotics, psychology,
anthropology, and sociology during the 1960s and 1970s gave rise to the new field of
discourse analysis within linguistics. In this essay, we will explore the essentials of
discourse analysis such as context, syntagmatic relations, philosophy and logic,
phonology and suprasegmental, semantics, criteria for identifying discourse, spoken and
written language, grammar and lexical, density, function of language, metafunction,
transitivity and theme, the role of contextual analysis and the role of grammatical
analysis.
Context: Context plays a crucial role in shaping the interpretation and meaning of
language. Context refers to the broader social, cultural, historical, and situational factors
that surround a particular instance of communication. Understanding context is essential
for interpreting the meaning of linguistic utterances accurately.
Syntagmatic Relations: syntagmatic relations refer to the relationships between linguistic

units (words, phrases, clauses) within a sentence or larger discourse. These relations
involve how linguistic elements combine and relate to one another sequentially to form
meaningful units of communication. In discourse analysis, understanding syntagmatic
relations is essential in order to figure out the structural organization and coherence of
language use
Philosophy and Logic: philosophy and logic provide frameworks, tools, and ethical
considerations that deepen understanding of language use in social contexts through
discourse analysis. By drawing on philosophical and logical insights, discourse analysts
can critically analyze discourse, uncover implicit assumptions, and explore the
complexities of communicative interactions.
Phonology and Suprasegmental: phonology and suprasegmental features play significant
roles in understanding how spoken language contributes to communication. Phonology is
the study of the sound patterns of language, including individual speech sounds
(phonemes) and their systematic organization into meaningful units. In discourse
analysis. Meanwhile, suprasegmental features are aspects of speech that extend beyond
individual sounds, such as stress, intonation, rhythm, and pit
Semantics: semantics provides a framework for analyzing how language constructs

meaning in discourse, encompassing lexical semantics, pragmatic meaning, semantic
relations, and the influence of context on interpretation. By examining semantic aspects
of discourse, analysts can uncover the underlying meanings, intentions, and
communicative strategies employed by speakers in social interaction.
Criteria for Identifying Discourse: Identifying discourse involves recognizing patterns of

communication that convey meaningful interactions within a specific context. Some
criteria for identifying discourse are cohesion and coherence; intentionality &
acceptability; informativity; relevance and intertextuality
Spoken and Written Language: Spoken language includes conversations, interviews,

speeches, lectures, and other forms of verbal interaction. Written language encompasses
textual discourse, which includes various forms of written communication such as essays,
articles, reports, emails, letters, and social media posts. By examining both modes of
communication, discourse analysts gain a comprehensive understanding of how language
is used to construct meaning, convey social identities, and shape interactions in various
contexts. While spoken and written language share common features and principles, there
are feature that helps to distinguish them which is grammar, lexical density and situation
Grammar and Lexical Density: Grammar and lexical density provide insights into the
structure, complexity, and communicative functions of language use. Examining
grammatical structures and lexical choices in discourse analysts can uncover patterns of
meaning construction, coherence, and stylistic variation across diverse communicative
contexts.
Function of Language: the functions of language refer to how language is used to achieve
specific communicative goals within a given context of interaction. It is divided into
referential and emotive. Some functions are ideational function (Karl Buhler 1934),
interpersonal function and textual function (Halliday 1970, 1985). Analyzing how
language functions in discourse helps to gain insights into how meaning is constructed,
negotiated, and conveyed within specific contexts of communication.
Metafunction: Metafunction refers to the overarching functions of language use, each

serving a distinct communicative purpose. Halliday identified three metafunctions:
ideational, interpersonal, and textual. These metafunctions help analyze how language is
used to convey meaning, establish social relations, and organize discourse
Transitivity and Theme: Transitivity refers to the grammatical system that represents the
relationship between processes (actions or events) and participants (entities involved in
the action). Theme refers to the initial element of a clause, which typically serves as the
point of departure for the message being conveyed. In discourse analysis, the analysis of
transitivity and theme provides insights into how language represents actions, events, and
participants, as well as how information is organized and developed within discourse.
The Role of Contextual Analysis: Contextual analysis plays a crucial role in discourse
analysis by providing the framework within which language use is interpreted and
understood. It helps to understand meaning, interpret pragmatic meaning, identify social
dynamics, exploring cultural nuances… Discourse analysis can gain depth and richness,
enabling a comprehensive understanding of how language functions in social interaction
when considering context
The Role of Grammatical Analysis: provide insights into the structure, organization, and
meaning of language use within communicative contexts. By examining grammatical
patterns and structures within communicative contexts, discourse analysts can uncover
underlying meanings, rhetorical strategies, and social dynamics embedded within
linguistic expressions.

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Full name: Nguyen Thi Cam Van

Student code: A40574

ESSENTIAL IN DISCOURSE ANALYSIS YOU’VE GRASPED SO FAR

Syntagmatic Relations: syntagmatic relations refer to the relationships between linguistic

Semantics: semantics provides a framework for analyzing how language constructs

Criteria for Identifying Discourse: Identifying discourse involves recognizing patterns of

Spoken and Written Language: Spoken language includes conversations, interviews,

Metafunction: Metafunction refers to the overarching functions of language use, each

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