Discourse

The term discourse refers to a series of utterances or statements connected through their institutional context, the form of language used, and its meaning or significance. It may refer to a single text, such as a formal discussion in writing, or it may refer to a group of related texts by various authors. It may also refer to spoken discussion or debate. The analysis of [Page 460]discourse is associated with different traditions of contemporary thought, but all emphasize the use of language to sustain and express a society's culture.

In one tradition, the term grows out of linguistics, particularly sociolinguistics, and refers to the analysis of language—spoken or written—in units larger than a sentence. Grammar and syntax are focused on the sentence, while phonology, morphology, and ...