Norman Fairclough’s Three-Dimensional model of CDA

By Mrs,Benmansour,R
The three-dimensional analysis framework of Fairclough tries to put forward a
theoretical paradigm for CDA based on the functional linguistics of the system.
Fairclough regards text, communication and social context as the three main
elements of discourse. Based on this, he puts forward a three-dimensional analysis
framework, that is, discourse, discourse practice and social practice.
He states that CDA is an interdisciplinary approach and he assumed that any case of
language is a communicative event.
Fairclough's (1989, 1995) model for CDA consists in three inter-related processes of analysis
tied to three inter-related dimensions of discourse. These three dimensions can be
summarized as follows:
1 The first dimension is called TEXT which is the object of analysis (including verbal, visual
or verbal and visual texts).= It is an analysis at word level.
2 The second dimension is the DISCURSIVE PRACTICE which is the processes by means
of which the object is produced and received (writing/speaking/designing and
reading/listening/viewing) by human subjects. / it involves the production or the constitution
of the text. = here the analysis takes place at text level.
3 The third dimension is called SOCIAL PRACTICE which is The socio-historical
conditions which govern these processes. / it is about standards of society or the organization
in effect = The analysis takes place at the norm level.
Norman Fairclough T hree Dimensional model of CDA

Description
(text analysis)
Dimension 2
Text production and consumption

Interpretation
Dimension 1 (Processing analysis)
Text

Discourse practice
Explanation
(Social analysis)
Dimension3
Sociocultural practice
According to Fairclough each of these dimensions requires a
different kind of analysis
1 Text Analysis (Description),
2 Processing Analysis (Interpretation),
3 Social Analysis (Explanation).
According to Fairclough language is used to:
 Create change.
 Change the behavior of people.
 Tool of power.
Examples of the three dimensions:
Dimension 1 Text:
Discourse is the collection of words and characters we choose when we write and/or speak.
By choosing certain words we show our attitude towards a subject.
Explanation:
1.My neighbor is:
*An old witch
*An old woman
*An old lady
In the choice of witch, woman or lady the speaker expresses an attitude towards the neighbor.
Thus, when we choose our words, we express an attitude.
2.Whether a person is a terrorist or a freedom fighter depends on our view of the
action that has taken place.
Discourse is about language as a community: the words we choose makes us feel that
we are part of a community:
Example: A person from a different origin may, for one group be a stranger, for
another group a foreigner and for a third group a refugee.
Conclusion: CDA is about text and any text is open to many interpretations.
Dimension 2
By CDA we understand that language can be a bearer of change, the words we use
and the way we compose our sentences are of importance, the way we talk about a
subject can change our view of it.
Text is always subject to interpretation, language is not neutral and innocent, it often
contains values and attitudes and assessments that the sender conveys to the
recipient.
Dimension 3
Language creates opinions and characterizes our attitudes; it creates social
relationships and practices.
Languages are associated with power; they are part of our communication which
is a social event.
The language and choice of words create a context to our social community.
Languages and communication are also closely linked to the society in which
they are located; in this connection society can be an organization where there are
norms and traditions.
Dimension 3 may apply to the entire organization for certain subjects while it is at
departmental level for other subjects.