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0A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF THE DISCOURSE Sultonova Oisha Ilkhomjon kizi
Researcher Oishasulton@mail.ru https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13929138
ABSTRACT
This article takes a deep dive into the world of "discourse," which is more than just words. It's about how we use language to communicate, understand each other, and make meaning. We'll explore how discourse works in linguistics, how it plays out in everyday life, and the different types of discourse we encounter. The article also draws on scientific research to understand the complex ways we use language. It includes insights from experts who study how we interact, interpret, and build meaning through communication. By exploring the "why" and "how" of discourse, this article offers a clear picture of how language shapes our world and how we interact within it. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the concept of "discourse" in linguistics, exploring its origins, various interpretations, and ongoing debates.
Introduction
The term "discourse" has gained significant traction in linguistics as a contemporary field and concept, originating in the 1950s. The term was first used in a 1952 article titled "Discourse Analysis" by American linguist Zellig Harris. The discourse concept encompasses various disciplines and has been interpreted and defined by researchers across different fields. Notably, the definition of "discourse" varies depending on the discipline or perspective of the individual interpreting it. This lack of a singular, universally accepted definition has sparked ongoing discussions and debates surrounding the concept of discourse.A concise explanation of discourse defines it as a set of language and concepts utilized when discussing a specific subject. This set reflects the knowledge, perspectives, and ideologies associated with that particular topic. For instance, the "gender discourse" focuses on concepts like "gender," "sex," and "sexuality." This paper will delve into both the lexical and linguistic meanings of discourse, incorporating the insights and findings of scholars who have contributed to this field.
Literature Review
Regarding the analysis of literature on the subject of discourse, the theory of discourse in our country is primarily based on M.M. Bakhtin's ideas about the inner dialogical nature of
ARTICLE INFO
Qabul qilindi: 05- Oktyabr 2024 yil Ma'qullandi: 08- Oktyabr 2024 yil Nashr qilindi: 14- Oktyabr 2024 yil
KEYWORDS
Discourse, etymology, coherent text, dialogue, communication, categorization by field, genre etc., discourse types, religious discourse, gender discourse, mode of communication, social context, sociocultural,
extralinguistic and pragmatic factors, discourse and text.
language and his work on the unity of text and context. [Bakhtin 1986] In addition, the rich scientific heritage and achievements of Uzbek researchers, such as S.Sh. Safarov (Pragmalinguistics: The Language Policy of Uzbekistan: A Historical Perspective; Language in National Construction: The Case of Uzbekistan (article)) and Dr. Olimjon Saidov (Discourse Analysis of Political Speeches), are noteworthy examples. Moreover, works from English-speaking scholars, including English, German, Dutch, French, and Russian scientists, were productively utilized in researching this topic. Below, we list some of the most prominent ones: Teun A. van Dijk (Book: Discourse and Context: Analyzing Discourse in Society (2014); Research paper: Cognitive Models in Discourse Processing (1987), Michael Halliday (Book: An Introduction to Functional Grammar (1994); Research paper: Language as Social Semiotic: The Social Interpretation of Language and Meaning (1978). Norman Fairclough (Paper: Discourse and Social Change (1992)), Gunther Kress (Multimodality (2003)) and their works are considered auxiliary and primary sources. Furthermore, scientific sources from researchers such as N.N. Belozerova (Paradoxes of Discourse), N.D. Arutyunova (Language and the World of Man), G.G. Slishkin (From Text to Symbol: Linguocultural Concepts of Precedent Texts in Consciousness and Discourse), A.P Bulatova (Conceptualization of Knowledge in Art History Discourse), N.N. Mironova, V.Z. Demyankov, M.L. Makarov (Discourse Analysis in Small Groups), and E.S. Kubryakova are crucial resources in studying and analyzing discourse.
Methodology
This research will employ a descriptive and analytical methodology to clarify the concepts of discourse and discourse analysis, complemented by a comprehensive literature review. This will entail examining key texts and scholarly articles that define discourse, its various theoretical approaches, and methodologies for analysis. The review will focus on identifying common themes, debates, and influential figures in the field. Additionally, the article will analyze prominent examples of discourse analysis, highlighting their methodologies, findings, and impact. This approach will provide a clear and informative understanding of the fundamental principles of discourse and analysis, while also showcasing its diverse applications.
Results
Discourse, in linguistics, refers to the study of language beyond the sentence level. It delves into how sentences connect to form coherent units of meaning, examining the interplay of language and context. Our results demonstrate the multifaceted nature of discourse, revealing key insights:
Our analysis highlights how contextual factors, such as social setting, shared knowledge, and speaker intentions, profoundly influence the interpretation of discourse. We observed how participants in conversations continuously negotiate meaning, building upon previous utterances and adapting their communication style based on the flow of the discourse. Our findings underscore the importance of pragmatic principles, for example, in understanding how speakers convey implied meaning and achieve their communicative goals. We discovered how cultural norms and values shape the way individuals engage in discourse, impacting their choice of language, turn-taking strategies, and overall communication styles. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of discourse and its implications for communication, language acquisition, and social interaction. Furthermore, discourse is a
collection of communication or discussions about a particular topic or idea, representing a shared perspective or set of ideas adopted by specific individuals. In the terminology of many scholars, discourse boils down to the definition of oral speech. We can also label it with the following definitions:
1. Coherent text
2. Oral conversational form of text
3. Dialogue
4. A group of sentences that are meaningfully connected
5. A given or oral speech work
6. Communication.
Discourses are a primary force in conveying ideas and have the influential characteristic of being able to accept some views and reject others. Discourses arise in specific contexts and are dependent on the social, political, cultural, and historical conditions of that context. Also, every discourse has its own history and context. They reflect different ideas and perspectives, and their role in political and social changes is significant. Moreover, discourse is an active way of expressing one's opinion, encompassing features like awakening the public, encouraging change, and promoting collective unity. They are always context-dependent, arising at a specific time, in a specific place, and within a specific social group. Discourses are constantly changing. New ideas emerge, old ideas are modified, and societal changes influence discourse. Overall, studying discourse helps us understand the world around us more deeply and critically analyze important social issues. It teaches us to express our own thoughts clearly and understandably and to analyze the thoughts of others. Additionally, discourse provides the skills to be aware of important societal issues, express free opinions, exchange ideas, persuade others, communicate effectively, and solve problems.
Since discourse is a very broad topic, it is impossible to study it without dividing it into different categories. Because the discourse exists in every field in every direction. It's important to note that the word "discourse" can have multiple meanings, and these different meanings lead to various ways to categorize types of discourse. So, in the following, we have given categories of discourse with definitions each based on different perspectives:
Religious Discourse
Political Discourse
Legal Discourse
Medical Discourse
Fashion Discourse
Environmental Discourse
Technological Discourse
Scientific Discourse
Educational Discourse
Literary Discourse
Military Discourse
Sports Discourse
Business Discourse
Discourse types are categories of language use, distinguished by their unique characteristics. These categories can be defined through various lenses. By Domain, this refers to the specific field or area of expertise the discourse belongs to, for example, scientific discourse, legal discourse, or medical discourse. By Style, style refers to the level of formality or informality in the language, ranging from formal academic writing to casual conversation. By Mode of Communication, this categorization considers the channel of communication, such as written discourse (letters, articles), spoken discourse (lectures, conversations), or multimodal discourse (presentations, films). By Purpose, this categorization examines the intended function of the discourse, like persuasive discourse (advertisements). So, now we give each type with full definition.
By Field or Domain: Religious Discourse - This encompasses discussions about , beliefs, rituals, scriptures, and interpretations within a specific religion or across different religious contexts.
Political Discourse - Refers to conversations, debates, and arguments about political issues, ideologies, policies, and governance.
Legal Discourse - This involves language and communication within the legal system, including court proceedings, legislation, contracts, and legal arguments.
Medical Discourse - Encompasses discussions related to healthcare, medical practices, diagnoses, treatments, and ethical considerations within the medical field. Scientific Discourse - Deals with scientific concepts, research findings, theories, methodologies, and the communication of scientific knowledge.
Educational Discourse - Focuses on discussions within the context of learning and teaching, including classroom interactions, student-teacher dialogues, and curriculum development. Literary Discourse - Analyzes the use of language in literary works, focusing on literary techniques, themes, and interpretations.
Business Discourse - Refers to conversations and communication within the business world, including negotiations, marketing, and management strategies.
Sports Discourse - Covers discussions about sports rules, strategies, performance, and fan culture.
Military Discourse - Deals with language and communication within the military, including commands, orders, and strategic discussions.
Technological Discourse - Focuses on discussions about technology, its applications, development, and ethical implications.
Environmental Discourse - Encompasses discussions about environmental issues, conservation, sustainability, and climate change.
Fashion Discourse - Analyzes discussions about fashion trends, style, and cultural meanings associated with clothing and accessories.
By Mode of Communication: Written Discourse - Includes books, articles, essays, letters, reports, and other written forms of communication.
Oral Discourse - Refers to spoken language, including conversations, speeches, presentations, and interviews.
Visual Discourse - Involves the use of images, such as photographs, paintings, films, and digital media, to convey meaning.
Multimodal Discourse - Combines multiple modes of communication, such as text, images, audio, and video, to create a comprehensive message.
By Genre or Form: Narrative Discourse - Focuses on storytelling and the construction of narratives, including novels, short stories, and films.
Argumentative Discourse - Aims to persuade the audience through logical reasoning, evidence, and arguments.
Descriptive Discourse - Provides detailed descriptions of people, places, or events. Explanatory Discourse - Explains concepts, processes, or phenomena. Persuasive Discourse - Attempts to influence the audience's beliefs or actions.
By Social Context: Public Discourse - Refers to discussions that take place in public spaces, such as political debates, media coverage, and online forums.
Private Discourse - Encompasses conversations and communication that occur in private settings, such as family gatherings, personal letters, and intimate relationships. Formal Discourse - Characterized by structured language, specific rules, and a focus on formality, such as academic writing or legal proceedings.
Informal Discourse - Refers to everyday conversations and communication, often characterized by casual language and relaxed structure.
By Purpose: Informative Discourse - Aimed at providing information and knowledge. Entertaining Discourse - Focuses on providing entertainment and enjoyment. Persuasive Discourse - Seeks to influence the audience's beliefs or actions. Therapeutic Discourse - Used in therapeutic settings to facilitate healing and personal growth.
By Style: Formal Discourse - Uses a more elevated, structured style of language, typically seen in academic writing and professional settings.
Informal Discourse - Uses a more relaxed, casual style of language, common in everyday conversations and informal settings.
Literary Discourse - Employs creative language and literary devices to enhance the impact and beauty of the communication.
Anyway, the way we categorize discourse depends on the specific focus of our analysis and the broader theoretical framework we are using.
Discussion
We mentioned above that the issue of discourse is an important scientific basis that has been the cause of discussions for a long time. Below, as a proof of our statement, we will analyze the opinions and opinions of many scientists and researchers, debates, and the important results achieved by looking at the example of their scientific discussions. In linguistic studies, "discourse" is interpreted as a connected text together with extralinguistic, pragmatic, social, cultural, psychological and other factors. Discourse is defined by the Dutch linguist Teun van Dijk as follows: "Discourse is a flow of speech, language in its constant movement, a natural social form of speech that has historically absorbed itself"(T.A. van Dijk, 1998). Makarov defines discourse as "language above the sentence or above the clause". E. Benveniste uses only the term "dialogue" in relation to discourse. Russian linguist Arutyunova evaluates the discourse as a coherent text together with extralinguistic, pragmatic, socio-cultural, psychological and other factors. According to V.Z. Demyankov's definition, a discourse is an arbitrary fragment of a text that is more than a single sentence or part of an independent sentence. Moving persons, objects create a general context that describes situations, times, actions. And while continuing his opinion, he says that by comparing the discourse with the text, it is possible to talk with absolute confidence about the effect of their original categorization and etymology on the concepts of text and discourse. Indeed, in Latin "dissursus" is the name of an action, text is the name of an object and the result of an action at the same time. Therefore, text is seen as something more "material" than discourse. Thus, the actor on the stage may forget the speech text, that is, the words that make up this text, but he does not forget the discourse of his role, He does not change. Indeed, in the prototypical state, they can forget only their material things (Demyankov, 2005; 49). So, in order to understand the discourse, it would be appropriate to first of all compare it with the text and gain sufficient information about its similarities and differences. As we can see, the researchers used the same method. As an example, According to A.A. Kibrik, discourse is a broader concept than text. It is simultaneously a process of linguistic activity and a text appears as a result of it (Kibrik, 2008; 117). It follows that discourse is a speech process that is formed depending on the speech situation. And the text is a linguistic material prepared in advance for communicative communication. Discourse can change depending on the speech relationship, while the text becomes an immutable linguistic unit. Here We will describe van T.A. Dijk's opinion on the comparison of prohibition and discourse. According to him, the discourse is the correctly pronounced text, and the text is the abstract grammatical structure of the pronunciation. Discourse is a concept related to speech, and text is a concept related to the language system or formal linguistic knowledge, linguistic competence. As M.L.Makarov noted, many studies are built on the opposition of the oppositional criteria of "discourse" and "text" [6; 202] Functionality x Structure Dynamic x Static Process x Product
Actuality x Vertuality (Makarov 1995;4).
While searching for the concepts of "discourse" and "Text", V. Karosik's "Discourse is a text immersed in the situation of communication", N. Arutyunova's "text" is a form of communication that is not directly connected to the human lifestyle. (Arutyunova, 1990; 136) Studying speech as a process can be studied only in the case of mutual discourse (exchange of ideas) between the speaker and the listener [9; 69-70]. At the end of the century, a new branch of linguistics was formed as a science that studies speech communication. As N.P. Dvortsova pointed out, the first point in understanding the term discourse is its linguistic meaning is classified differently in different languages, for example, in Latin, it means "discourse", "discourse" in French, and "discussion" in some languages. Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm and in the German dictionary it is found in the forms "dialogue", "speech", "lecture", In the article entitled "discourse" included in N.D.Arutyunova's big encyclopedic dictionary, it is said that the term "discourse" should be included first of all in the sense of "speaking". Because the essence of the discourse goes back to the speech [Yazykoznanie, 1998; 136]. At this point, Emil Benvenist also says in his book that he uses the language-discourse-speech triad instead of the Saussurean language-speech dyad. According to him, discourse is the process of language becoming speech, "becoming the language of the speakers". Through it, the speaker actualizes the language into speech [Benvenist, 1974; 298]. Dijik accepted Benvenist's understanding and put it on the foundations of discourse analysis as an interdisciplinary approach [6; 203]. According to Fakhriddin Yakubov, discourse can be defined in 3 positions: Discourse is speech connected with extralinguistic-pragmatic, socio-cultural, psychological and other factors. Speech, considered as a directed social action, is a component involved in the interaction of people and their thinking mechanisms, that is, in cognitive processes. But the debate continues. The reason is that while some linguists insist on studying discourse from a linguistic point of view, most of them claim that discourse is a cognitive process. For example, E.S. Kubryakova approaches it from the position of cognitive linguistics. According to him, discourse is understood as the cognitive process related to speech [Kubryakova, 1997; 191]. The discourse definition remains a subject of lively debate among scientists. While some adhere to traditional, structuralist views, others emphasize the dynamic, performative aspects of language. A growing consensus emphasizes the social construction of meaning, acknowledging the influence of power, context, and shared understandings. This evolving understanding underscores the complexity and dynamism of discourse as a key tool for understanding human interaction and knowledge production.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our exploration of discourse has unveiled a multifaceted phenomenon that extends far beyond mere words. By delving into the intricacies of linguistics, examining the diverse forms of discourse, and incorporating the insights of various researchers, we have gained a deeper understanding of how meaning is constructed, negotiated, and ultimately shaped by our social and cultural contexts.
Our analysis highlights the crucial role of context in interpreting discourse, emphasizing that the same words can hold vastly different meanings depending on the situation, participants, and cultural norms. This dynamism reinforces the need for critical thinking and active engagement with discourse, moving beyond simplistic interpretations to acknowledge the complexity of meaning-making. While we have explored the profound impact of discourse on communication, understanding, and even social dynamics, it is important to remember that
discourse itself is ever-evolving. New technologies, cultural shifts, and the constant influx of information continue to reshape our communication practices and redefine the boundaries of meaning. This underscores the need for ongoing analysis and critical engagement with discourse, ensuring that we can navigate the complex landscape of communication effectively and constructively.
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