Bibliography:
Summary:
The author states how discourse cannot be defined nor has been defined in a perfect way. As a matter of fact, almost all definitions given to discourse are often vague which doesn’t provide a clear and comprehensive idea of the true meaning of discourse. Most definitions have been based on the perspectives of different contexts such as the academic English viewpoint which views discourse as a “mean of extending and maintaining a group’s knowledge or initiating new members.” This article describes discourse as a focal point for sets of ideas. According to Swales, a discourse is split into six characteristics, each of must be fulfilled in order to consider certain groups as a discourse community. A discourse community must have an openly set of similar goals which can help connect the members. It must contain basic appliance of intercommunication among members as people with the same or similar role in terms of achieving goals may be in a discourse community even if members never interact. The group must use participatory procedures to dispense information and feedback which can be based on common goals. Discoursal information must progress which is why using genres are important as they simplify the performance of the discoursal community. Having a stock of words is also essential for discoursal communities as it allows people to act accordingly to the customs and values of the society. Lastly, a discourse community must have experts who are proficient in understanding the purpose of the discourse and beginners who will learn the values and eventually build of to become experts.
All these characteristics are needed in order for a discourse community to be formed. A discourse varies to the degree to which it is grown through norms of through a center of ideas. Hence, personal involvement is not mandatory for a discourse community to be established.
Evaluation:
This article helps bring out an idea that discourse cannot be defined with just one sentence. There are multiple aspects needed to properly bring out the true meaning of discourse. It was interesting to learn that although people in certain groups such as the same professional field may never communicate with each other and yet form a discourse community. However, if the six characteristics stated by Swales are not fulfilled, a discourse cannot be established. Swales views are different from the other articles I have read from different authors. He specifically emphasized how essential the different characteristics are in order to form a proper group.
Project Data
Closest Friends:
Tone- Laid back, Soft, loud or quiet depending on circumstances, sometimes rude
Words: Informal words such as Yo, Bet, No doubt, igght, nah, aint, using clique words that are not familiar to others
Sentences: Mostly formal sentences with a pinch of informal sentence at times, speaking quickly, using a lot of abbreviations, completing sentences with indside jokes
Body language- relaxed, not moving as much, smiling, informal aspects such as sleeping on the couch, sitting back
Parents:
Tone- laid-back, loud, respectful, changes in voices from loud pitch to medium to low
Words: Mostly formal words used, mixing Hindi words in English sentences, using words thought from childhood but unfamiliar to others
Sentences- Complete formal sentences
Body Language- relaxed, fewer smiles, informal aspect such at sleeping on the couch, bed, or chair when communicating as well as a few formal aspects such as standing straight
Siblings:
Tone- laid-back, loud, respectful and rude depending on the circumstances, angry if there is an argument, constant change in voice
Words- Many informal words such as yo or nah as well as formal words used
Sentences- Speaking quickly, using simple words to complete sentences
Body language- relaxed
Administrators/Professors/Other Professionals:
Tone- Soft, quiet, strict and consistent, sometimes showing signs of nervousness, respectful, monotone- no changes in loudness of voice
Words- Completely formal with more complexed words used sometimes
Sentences- Looks like it’s been practiced, formal, strict, clear, speaking slower than usual, using more complexed words
Body Languages- standing or sitting straight, showing signs of nervousness by tapping my fingers on objects, more up-front, smiling
New Friends:
Tone- Soft, respectful, quiet, laid back, monotone
Words- Combination of informal and formal words
Sentences- speaking slowly, constantly aware of how I begin and complete sentences
Body language- Combination of relaxed and strict appearance, shaking my legs sometimes, crossing my legs when sitting down
Reflection:
So far my second day of collecting information wasn’t quite as successful as I intended it to be. I didn’t communicate with many people due to only having one class on that day. However, I did learn a few things from the data I collected. I am able to present my data in terms of words and sentences I have used to communicate with a variety of people better as I gained an in-depth understanding of the contexts which induces me to use certain techniques. I realized how my tone doesn’t change when I speak to new people or professionals. I also learned how I mix in a few words of a different language when communicating with my parents and abbreviate sentences when I communicate with my friends such as using “fyi”. Overall, I don’t have a complete idea on how I am going to present my new data but I am building new options such as making circle graphs to describe my data using more demographic techniques. I can essentially put a percentage of people I use similar words and other communication techniques with in order to compare and contrast. I am still thinking about other ways to present my data in a clear and concise manner.