Discourse Analysis. Language Variety

Order Description
Essay 2: Discourse Analysis | Language Variety

The notion of “proper English” may be a familiar one, but as our texts in this unit suggest, there are a number of interesting questions we might raise as to its origins and functions. We could consider the following from a theoretical or practical standpoint: What is it, exactly? Who says so? Where does it come from? What purpose does it serve? For whom? What are the implications for resisting it? The perspectives from which we might derive any potential answers to these questions are grounded in (and expressive of) a complex mix of very specific social, historical, political, etc. circumstances. Part of our job as researchers is to put those circumstances into context as we formulate our own conclusions.

For this assignment, you will select an issue related to language variety* and analyze its discursive treatment(s). In other words: Who is talking about the issue? What’s at stake for them/their institutions in talking about it? What are (or aren’t!) they saying (what are the “sides”)? How are they saying it? Why? Consider the rhetorical triangle and target audience(s), but also the “speakers” themselves—what are the costs and benefits of each choice in framing the issue as they have? Are there any that emerge as particularly successful, and if so, why? This essay of 6-8 pages should move beyond mere observation in an attempt to define and analyze the social, historical, political, etc. contexts of the discourse(s) you explore.

Your essay will need to have a strong thesis and active, compelling engagement with 5 appropriate sources that support, contest, or otherwise add complexity to your claims. To help you determine which sources will be most useful to you, you will prepare an annotated bibliography, due to me before the first draft of your essay is submitted.

*AAVE, regionalisms, pidgins, LOLspeak, legalese, academic discourse, code-switching, and SRTOL are just a few examples of topics that may be explored. Whatever you choose, remember that the more narrow and specific you can get your topic, the more substantive and fruitful you will likely find the process and product of your research.