answersLogoWhite

0

This question was raised in the recent debate in Applied Linguistics

between Widdowson and De Beaugrande involved a dispute about the

relationship between text and discourse. Widdowson sees the two as

distinction. My reading of his position is that discourse is text in

use but that texts in corpora or presumably other linguistic

collections of language are not discourse. Texts need to be 'brought

to life' to become discourse.

De Beaugrande argues that a text cannot be contextualized only shifted

into a different context. A real text cannot be decontextualised, that

is, removed from any context; we can only shift it into a different

context, which is an ordinary transaction not just in language

classrooms, but in most reports or discussions of what somebody has

said. (de Beaugrande page 114 from de Beaugrande,

R. (2001).

The term "discourse" is defined in a number of different ways. For example, as the language use above the level of the sentence, as language use in context and as real language use.

Widdowson did not maintain this distinction himself: In 1978 he argued that 'discourse' is made up of sentences having the properties of cohesion & coherence!

Yet there is another distinction between these two terms.

In this distinction 'text' is defined in terms of being a physical product and 'discourse' is viewed as process and meaning is not derived from text but from reader's interaction with the text(discourse).

Discourse analysts examine spoken, signed and written language and may focus on any aspect of linguistic behavior, from the study of particular patterns of pronunciation, through word choice, sentence structure and semantic representation, to the pragmatic analysis of how we organize speech encounters and any combination of these in spoken, written and signed discourse.

Discourse analysis is therefore a study of the forms and functions of discourse.

For Strubb discourse analysis is analyzing larger linguistic units so it is a matter of extending the scope of grammar .For Harris discourse is establishing formal equivalence within a text and connectedness.

Foucault defined discourse as "an entity of sequences of signs in that they are enouncements (Foucault 1969:141).

Text can come in all shapes and sizes: they can correspond in context with any linguistic unit: letter, sound, word, sentence, combination of sentence.

Widdowson identifies a text not by its linguistic extent but by its social contex. In defense of this claim we can give an example of public notes where a single P letter transfers the meaning of 'place for parking your car'.

But identifying something as a text is not the same as interpreting it. We may recognize intentionality but not know the intention. This is where discourse comes in.

We achieve meaning by indexical realization, i.e. by using language to engage our extralinguistic reality.

For Widdowson discourse is the pragmatic process of meaning negotiation and text as its product.

There is some problems with traditional definitions of discourse. If discourse is the study of language pattern above the sentence means that a sentence writ larger quantitively different but qualitatively the same means that we cannot have discourse below sentence level.

Or if discourse refers to the degree of sentence then they sign the same meaning and encoding this meaning is semantic realization so discourse is semantic!

Harris differs between semantic (the meaning of morpheme) and pragmatic (the intention of the producer) but does not say how?!

At the same time Harris is talking about interpretation as the intention of the producer but the meaning to audience is different and he does not give any solution It seems that the two terms discourse and text are same for Harris.

Stubbs did not differentiate between discourse and text. He said the terms are often ambiguous and confusing. For him 'discourse' implies length whereas a text maybe very short (Stubbs 1983:3).

There are instances of languages which are not separate sentences but appears as public notices and their meaning is realized by outside context to where it is related and how. It means to social knowledge.

Texts are of all kinds and length: letters, sound, word, sentence ...

It is the intersexuality of a text which makes it to be understood, it means to relate language to extralinguistic reality.

As I understood for this chapter a text differs from one discourse to another. By discourse I refer to all the extralingusitics parameters (cultural, social, and political and...).Discourse analysis includes all studying investigating the supra-sentential structure of any stretches of language, spoken or written.

And the term 'Text' and 'Text Analysis' lead to confusion. As Tadros (1981) said: "The term 'Text' should be abandoned unless it is used to refer to the physical arrangements of linguistic signals on papers.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Linguistics

Explain the relation between text and discourse?

"Text" is written material. We discuss the text when we study a novel, drama, or short story. You might even call a letter to someone a text. "Discourse" can mean spoken conversation or a written discussion of a single topic.


What the difference between discourse analysis and critical discourse analysis?

Discourse analysis is the study of language use in context, analyzing how language shapes and is shaped by social interactions. Critical discourse analysis goes a step further by examining how power dynamics, ideology, and social inequalities are manifested and reproduced through language use. Critical discourse analysis aims to uncover hidden biases and question societal assumptions present in discourse.


What is discourse linkers?

Discourse linkers are words or phrases used to connect ideas and create cohesion in written or spoken discourse. They help to show relationships between different parts of a text, such as cause and effect, contrast, or addition. Examples of discourse linkers include "therefore," "however," "in conclusion," and "on the other hand."


Meaning of oral discourse and written discourse?

Oral discourse - "well" or "so" - like you would when you are just about to tell a story. Written discourse - "however" or "on the other hand" - shows digression from one topic to another.


What is the difference between rhetoric and discourse?

Rhetoric refers to the art of effective speaking or writing, often focusing on persuasive techniques. Discourse, on the other hand, encompasses broader communication practices within a specific context or community, including how language is used to convey meaning, shape identities, and negotiate power dynamics. While rhetoric is a tool within discourse, discourse analysis examines the social and cultural implications of language use.

Related Questions

The differences between text and discourse?

Text is description, discourse is speech.


Explain the relation between text and discourse?

"Text" is written material. We discuss the text when we study a novel, drama, or short story. You might even call a letter to someone a text. "Discourse" can mean spoken conversation or a written discussion of a single topic.


How and why does a text become a connected discourse?

A text becomes a connected discourse through the use of cohesive devices such as pronouns, conjunctions, and transitional words that link ideas together. This helps to create flow, coherence, and clarity in the text, allowing readers to understand the relationships between different parts of the text and follow the author's train of thought.


What is the difference between numbered text and multilevel numbered text?

1


What is the difference between copying text and moving text?

The difference between moving text and copying text is that when you move the text, it is gone from the original spot. When you copy text, the text also stays in the original spot and then also gets copied to a new spot.


What is text genre?

A stial of a story A text genre is a type of written or spoken discourse.


Why is text and discourse important?

Text and discourse are important because they are fundamental ways through which meaning is communicated and understood. They shape our interactions and social structures by influencing how we interpret information and construct knowledge. Text and discourse also play a crucial role in shaping cultural norms and values.


What is the difference between an iMessage and a text?

It is blue


What is the difference between literature text and non literature text?

Literaure is short. Text is long.


What is the difference between linear text and non linear text?

don't know


What is an difference between numbered outline text and outline numbered text?

Hhhhhhhhgyui8


What is SERMON in English?

A discourse usually based on religious text.