Lesson 9: Understanding Discourse Analysis: Definition, Strengths, and Limitation

As a student-discourse analyzer, stylistics provides multiple benefits for gaining a greater

understanding of language and communication. It helps students understand the choices that
speakers and writers make while expressing their points of view. Students may interpret the
hidden meanings and intentions in a discourse by analyzing stylistic elements including word
choice, sentence structure, and tone. Also, stylistics develops critical thinking abilities by
pushing students to consider the reasons behind certain language choices and how they fit into
the discourse's overall meaning. Studying stylistics helps students develop a greater appreciation
and respect for communication and literature by helping them recognize the artistry and
creativity that constitute language use. It helps students become better writers and
communicators by teaching them how to use language to accomplish certain rhetorical effects.
Students who study stylistics have a more advanced comprehension of language as well as
increased proficiency in evaluating and interpreting many discourse forms in academic,
professional, and everyday circumstances. Students who study stylistics are more prepared to do
research and develop smart analyses, which benefits both their academic and professional goals.

Lesson 10: Purpose of Discourse Analysis

D: Describe how people use language differently in various situations.

I: Investigate power dynamics in language use.

S: Scrutinize hidden beliefs and ideologies in language.

C: Critically analyze how language reinforces or challenges social inequalities.

O: Observe how language serves social purposes.

U: Uncover new methods for analyzing language.

R: Recognize the complexity of language and its impact on society.

S: Study the ways language shapes social interactions and relationships.

E: Examine the impact of language on social relations and interactions.

Lesson 11: Features of Discourse Analysis

Lesson 12: Types of Discourse Analysis

Types Focus Purpose Meaning

Describe and explain Identify main points, determine Understanding the
Descriptive the features of a text or the author's purpose, and characteristics and components
Discourse conversation. analyze conversation structure. of a text or conversation.
Make sense of experiences, and Analysis of storytelling
Narrative Ways in which stories understand communication of techniques, language use, and
Discourse are told. stories. overall story structure.
Clarification of concepts,
phenomena, or ideas through
Expository Explanation of a Provide information, often in formal language and specific
Discourse subject. academic contexts. rules.
Examination of the structure,
Identifying parts of an Understand how people interact logic, and effectiveness of
Argumentative argument and tracking in debates, and identify arguments presented in
Discourse its development. argument weaknesses. discourse.
Lesson 13: Discourse Analysis: Main Approaches

LANGUAGE-IN-USE SOCIO-POLITICAL
APPROACH APPROACH

Focus Fine details of language used Influence of language in

in discourse social context and vice versa

Scope Descriptive, focusing on Broader, focusing on power

linguistic features structures and societal
influences

Methodology Descriptive, analyzing Critical analysis, examining

grammar, phonology, and power dynamics and societal
sentence structures norms

Example Examining how language is

Analyzing sentence structure used to assert power or
and phonological features perpetuate societal norms

Key Concepts Examining how language is

Grammaticality, phonological used to assert power or
features, sentence structures perpetuate societal norms

Theoretical Foundation Formalist linguistics Critical theory,

poststructuralism

Purpose Understanding linguistic Understanding societal

features of discourse, influences on discourse,
analyzing language use revealing power dynamics
and societal norms
Lesson 14: Steps in Writing a Discourse Analysis

Lesson 15: Discourse Analysis of a Text

Martin Luther King's famous speech, "I Have a Dream," is a prime example of how words can
shape social movements. By breaking down his speech through Critical Discourse Analysis
(CDA), we uncover how King strategically used language to fight against racial inequality and
inspire hope for a better future. One of King's key tactics was repetition. Phrases like "I have a
dream" and "one hundred years later" were repeated to emphasize the ongoing struggle for
equality and to ignite optimism for change. He also used parallelism to contrast the harsh reality
of segregation with his vision of racial harmony. This stylistic choice not only captures the
audience's attention but also reinforces the urgency of the civil rights movement. This technique
made his message more compelling and urgent. Metaphors played a big role too. King's vivid
descriptions, like comparing segregation to a "dark and desolate valley" and equality to a "sunlit
path," made the abstract idea of injustice feel real and tangible. By referencing historical events
like Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, King aligned his fight for equality with the
principles of American freedom and justice, appealing to the nation's ideals. King's speech
showed how language could be a tool for both oppression and empowerment. Through his
words, he not only exposed the injustices of society but also inspired people to stand up and
demand change together.
Lesson 16: Writing An Analytic Paper

In "Richard Cory" by Edwin Arlington Robinson, the poet talks about a man named Richard
Cory and how he's viewed by the townspeople. The poet repeats the phrase "And he was" to
show how everyone saw Richard Cory in the same positive light. This repetition emphasizes the
admiration people felt towards him. The poem has four parts, each with a similar rhyme scheme.
This structure makes it easy to follow and reflects the predictable way people saw Richard Cory.
But the ending, where Cory unexpectedly commits suicide, breaks this pattern and surprises the
reader. Robinson uses vivid descriptions to paint a picture of Richard Cory as someone perfect,
with phrases like "a gentleman from sole to crown" highlighting his physical appearance.
However, the contrast between Cory's outward appearance and his tragic end creates irony.
Despite his wealth and charm, he still faces inner struggles. Robinson's use of repetition,
structure, imagery, and irony helps convey the message that appearances can be deceiving, and
true happiness comes from within.