What is a discourse in language?

Discourse is one of the four systems of language, the others being

vocabulary, grammar and phonology. Discourse has various definitions
but one way of thinking about it is as any piece of extended language,
written or spoken, that has unity and meaning and purpose.

Discourse is spoken or written communication between people,

especially serious discussion of a particular subject

What are the different types of discourse?

Types of Discourse. While every act of communication can count as an

example of discourse, some scholars have broken discourse down
into four primary types: argument, narration, description, and exposition.
Many acts of communicate include more than one of these types in
quick succession.

Spoken discourse

1. Spontaneous free speech - e.g. interactive conversations where the

speaker adopts a casual tone with the listener, with the discourse
peppered with fragmented syntax and grammatical errors. This could
include informal group discussions, brainstorming sessions, giving
instructions or directions to people (though that could also require some
deliberation depending on the context).

2. Deliberate free speech - e.g. interviews, formal discussions and

debates where the speaker is more careful about what he says, and
plans and organises his own thoughts before articulating them.

3. Oral presentation of a written text - e.g. newscasts, formal

presentations and lectures where the speaker adopts an appropriate
tone and pauses, as well as make the necessary adjustments when
reading from a written text.

4. Oral presentation of a fixed script - e.g. acting on stage or in film when

the spoken text is more or less determined, with the actor conveying
both verbal and non-verbal cues to the audience.
Given the above, in order to ensure that the recipient (whether it is the
reader or listener) can fully understand one's message, the onus is on
the originator (writer or speaker) to organise his discourse in such a way
that the recipient can fully comprehend his message. This means that
the recipient can either understand the gist of the message or easily
extract parts of it for future reference.

Formal vs. informal

There is a clear difference in register between 'familiar' and
'ceremonial' styles. However, academic writing may require some cross
registering with 'informal' and 'formal' styles; therefore, it is important to
understand the differences in the language used and when cross
registering is possible.
The following provides comparative examples of the two registers.

 Formal language makes use of complex sentence

structures
(1) In 2001, the bridge was built. This was good politically. Two
countries united. = Informal
(2) The bridge was completed in 2001, which resulted in a positive
political move that united two countries. = Formal

 Formal language does not use contractions

(3) When considering staffing in hospitals in the future, it's difficult
not be concerned. = Informal
(4) When considering staffing in hospitals in the future, it is difficult
not be concerned. = Formal

 Formal language is objective

(5) I think/believe that the issue of global warming will be the
primary concern at the meeting. = Informal
(6) There is little doubt/It is clear that  the issue of global warming
will be the primary concern at the meeting. =Formal

 Formal language does not use colloquialisms

(language which is common to spoken English)
 (7) Sweden's Prime Minister, Fredrik Reinfeldt, totally flipped out
when he read the latest report from the press. = Informal
(8) The Prime Minister of Sweden, Fredrik Reinfeldt, expressed his
concern when he viewed the most recent report from the press. =
Formal

 Formal language focuses more on vocabulary

choice
(9) The research assistant checked out the incident and got back
to him the next day. = Informal
(10) The research assistant investigated the incident and reported
to him the following day. = Formal

 Formal language makes use of the discipline

specific vocabulary
(11) Germs grow well in dirty and warm temperatures. = Informal
(12) Bacteria thrive in unhygienic and warm conditions.= Formal