Analyzing Discourse: Language's Role in Building Reality with Gee's Framework, Study notes of Information Technology

Download Analyzing Discourse: Language's Role in Building Reality with Gee's Framework and more Study notes Information Technology in PDF only on Docsity! INF385N Fall 2008 Barker Page 1 of 3 Unpacking What People are Doing with D/discourse with Gee’s Framework Language and its accoutrements are not just about conveying information. We use it every day to build the seven aspects of reality. Even if it’s not intentionally or rationally thought out, we have habits by which we use discourse to manage our lives, to show interest, to comply with others, too ingratiate ourselves into social situations, etc. Each object of investigation will use discourse and may use images. Table 1 shows Gee’s Tools of Inquiry. You can use these to analyze discourse and situations. To try to understand what the authors are doing with their discourse and what they think we will do with it, think about Gee’s Building Tasks in Table 2 below. Table 1: Tools for Analyzing D/discourse Tools of Analysis Explanation Example in Gee “Social languages” Use of a language (e.g. vernacular, technical language, jargon) depending on the setting, our role, relationship with relevant others, authority, membership, etc. Used to enact an identity in a certain setting. We use social languages to show our membership in groups, to show our relationship with someone, to show the role we assume in a situation. The way Jane talked to her boyfriend vs. the way she talked to her parents (pp. 38- 39). “Discourses” To combine “walking the walk” with “talking the talk.” Combining language, actions, beliefs, values, symbols, tools, etc to enact an identity. A gang member who not only is expected to talk a certain way, but use certain symbols, hold certain beliefs, use certain actions (p. 21) “Intertextuality” Cross-references in language to other texts or types of texts whether quoting directly, indirectly, or simply alluding. The title of a Wired magazine article (a technology magazine) referencing “tough guy” talk found in movies/books (p. 21) “Conversations” Common themes, public debates, motifs we use in conversation that are widely known in society (e.g. terrorism, global warming) and where people know about the various sides. All the discussion that goes on in society concerning such a theme. We interpret each other’s language through what we know about these Conversations. We understand the meaning of “smoking is associated with health problems” because of what we know about the Conversation about smoking (p.21-22) INF385N Fall 2008 Barker Page 2 of 3 Table 2: Gee's Building Tasks of Language WE USE LANGUAGE TO BUILD THESE  EXPLANATION DISCOURSE ANALYSIS QUESTIONS QUESTIONS TO IDENTIFY BUILDING TASKS IN A SITUATION SIGNIFICANCE We use language to make things significant. We give things, people, ideas meaning or value. How and what different things mean in the present situation. What is the situation? How is this piece of language being used to make certain things significant or not and in what ways? What are the situated meanings of some of the words and phrases that seem important in the situation? ACTIVITIES Our use of language informs others of what we see ourselves as doing. What is being said helps others recognize what is going on. What activity or activities is being enacted with this piece of language? What is the larger or main activity (or set of activities) going on in the situation? IDENTITIES Use of language to indicate a role we have taken on, or switching to enact a new identity What identity or identities is this piece of language being used to enact (i.e., get others to recognize as operative)? What identities (roles, positions) seem to be relevant to, taken for granted in, or under construction in the situation? RELATIONSHIPS Use of language signals the type of relationship we have or want to have with those with whom we are communicating. What sort of relationship or relationships is this piece of language seeking to enact with others (present or not)? What sorts of social relationships seem to be relevant to, taken for granted, or under construction in the situation? POLITICS (SOCIAL GOODS OR SOCIAL CAPITAL) How we use our language effects the distribution of social goods (i.e. adding to or taking away from reputation, authority, status, power, etc.) We convey our perspective on motives, responsibility, right and wrong, etc. What perspective on social goods is this piece of language communicating (i.e., what is being communicated as to what is taken to be “normal,” “right,” “good,” “correct,” “proper,” “appropriate,” and so forth)? What social goods (e.g. status, power, aspects of gender, race, and class) are relevant (and irrelevant) in this situation? How are they made relevant or irrelevant?