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Journal #5 Summary: Devitt, Amy J. "Generalizing about Genre: New Conceptions of an Old Concept.

" Ollege Composition and Communication 44.4 (1993): 573-86. National Council of Teachers of English. Web. 06 Feb. 2013. Devitt discusses both the importance and confusions of genre within a discourse community. Through examples, she defines genre and in detail explains why genre is what it is. For example, she discusses readers recognition of genre with company advertising with a coupon, once weve looked and piece together the purpose or genre of the paper we either use the coupon or toss it. Also, she discuses the importance of genre and using it to better understand a discourse community. Analysis:

Larissa Macko ENC 1102 February 6, 2013

Devitt is able to clarify genre analyis and its importance when dealing with a discourse community. Genre starts to become clearer by Devitt with her examples and explanations. When I mentioned genre being a purpose, in the summary, that seems to be a definition of genre that clings to me within studying discourse communities. Not necessarily the purpose of the community but purpose to functions that allow the community to flow and be successful. In class we looked at medical in-take forms and our table was able to create purpose just by looking at the form and noticing what was and wasnt provided for an outsider. Genre is purpose that helps define a discourse communitys purpose. I already am studying a discourse community that relates to this example, which makes it easier. However, I feel as though this helps clear up why and what genre is used for and allows me to get an idea of genres own purpose.

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