Discourse analysis

Summary - Chapter 12 from “The study of Language” by George Yule.

Chapter 12
DISCOURSE ANALYSIS
The word “discourse” is usually defined as “language beyond sentence” and the
analysis of discourse is typically concerned with the study of language in text and
conversation. It is how we understand speakers who communicate more than they
say and how we successfully take part in that complex activity called conversation.
Interpreting discourse
Coherence: the connections that create a meaningful interpretation of texts.
Cohesion: that ties and connections that exist within texts.
Speech event: debate, interview, various types of discussions, etc.
In exploring differences in speech event (what people say and do in different
circumstances) we have to consider the roles of speaker and hearer and their
relationships. All these factors will have an influence on what is said and how it is
said.

Conversation analysis
English conversation can be described as an activity in which for the most part, two
or more people take turns at speaking.
Turn taking: the way in which each speaker takes a turn in conversation.

The co-operative principles

In most conversational exchanges seem to be that the participants are co-
operating with each other. This principle called co-operative principle, together
with four maxims called “Gricean Maxims supporting this principle was first
described by the philosopher Paul Grice.