PPT Principles of Critical Discourse Analysis.pptx

PPT Principles of Critical Discourse Analysis.pptx

1. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS EMMANUEL A. ELLEMA

2. CDA ADDRESSES SOCIAL PROBLEMS CDA is oriented towards understanding and critiquing social inequality. It aims to identify how language is used to maintain power structures and disadvantage certain social groups. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 2

3. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 3

4. Power and Language:  CDA examines how language is used to construct and maintain power imbalances. It looks at how certain groups are portrayed in speech, writing, and other forms of communication PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 4

5. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 5 Unearthing Inequality:  CDA aims to expose how language reinforces social inequalities like racism, sexism, and classism. By analyzing the way words are chosen and ideas are presented, CDA can reveal hidden biases

6. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 6 Challenging Domination:  CDA doesn't just identify problems; it seeks to challenge them. By making these power structures visible, CDA empowers people to question dominant narratives and fight for social change

7. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 7 Here's an example: Imagine a news article about crime that focuses heavily on the race of perpetrators but not victims. CDA would analyze this language, unveiling the potential bias and prompting questions about why this framing is used.

8. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 8 Overall, CDA is a tool for understanding how social problems are perpetuated through language and working towards a more just and equitable society.

9. POWER RELATIONS ARE DISCURSIVE CDA argues that power is not just about economic or political force, but also about how language is used to represent the world. Powerful groups can use language to define social problems, shape public opinion, and silence dissenting voices. PROMOTING BILINGUAL EDUCATION 9

10. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 10

11. POWER RELATIONS ARE DISCURSIVE Shaping Ideas and Framing Issues:  Those with power can influence the way issues are discussed and understood by controlling the narrative. This can be done through media ownership, education systems, or even just setting the agenda for conversations. By framing an issue in a particular way, they can influence how people see it and what solutions seem most reasonable. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 11

12. POWER RELATIONS ARE DISCURSIVE Language Choices and Silences:  The specific words and phrases used in discourse can reveal power dynamics. Powerful groups may use language that positions them favorably, while marginalizing or silencing opposing viewpoints. CDA looks for these imbalances and how they shape understanding. For example, a powerful corporation might use euphemisms to downplay the environmental impact of their practices. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 12

13. POWER RELATIONS ARE DISCURSIVE Setting the Rules of the Game:  Discourse itself can be a site of power struggles. Powerful groups may have more control over what kinds of language are considered legitimate and appropriate. They can define what can even be discussed and delegitimize alternative viewpoints. This can be seen in things like legislation that restricts certain forms of speech or social media platforms that silence dissenting voices. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 13

14. POWER RELATIONS ARE DISCURSIVE Here's an analogy: Imagine a debate as a game. The powerful group sets the rules, chooses the topics, and controls the language used. This gives them a significant advantage in shaping the outcome. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 14

15. POWER RELATIONS ARE DISCURSIVE By analyzing these discursive practices, CDA aims to expose how power shapes our understanding of the world and create space for more equitable discussions. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 15

16. DISCOURSE CONSTITUTES SOCIETY AND CULTURE Discourse refers to all the ways we use language, including speech, writing, and visual communication. CDA argues that discourse is not just a reflection of society, but also helps to shape it. The way we talk about things can influence how we think about them and how we act. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 16

17. DISCOURSE CONSTITUTES SOCIETY AND CULTURE Shared Meanings and Beliefs: Discourse creates a shared system of meaning among members of a society or culture. Through language exchange, stories, jokes, and arguments, people develop common understandings of the world, what's important, and how to behave. This creates a sense of group identity and belonging. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 17

18. DISCOURSE CONSTITUTES SOCIETY AND CULTURE Transmission of Knowledge and Values: Culture and societal norms are passed down through discourse. Traditions, histories, and social practices are all communicated through language. Parents tell stories to their children, elders share wisdom with younger generations, and communities have discussions that shape their values. Without discourse, this cultural inheritance would be lost . PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 18

19. DISCOURSE CONSTITUTES SOCIETY AND CULTURE Negotiation and Social Order: Discourse is the constant process of negotiation within a society. People use language to debate norms, challenge authority, and propose changes. This back-and-forth is how societies adapt and evolve. Laws are debated and written through discourse, and social movements gain momentum through shared narratives and slogans. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 19

20. DISCOURSE CONSTITUTES SOCIETY AND CULTURE Construction of Social Reality: Our understanding of reality is heavily influenced by discourse. The way we talk about things shapes how we perceive them. For example, if a society constantly uses fearful language about immigrants, it can create a perception of immigrants as a threat, even if the reality is different. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 20

21. DISCOURSE CONSTITUTES SOCIETY AND CULTURE Here's an analogy: Imagine a society like a building. Discourse is the bricks and mortar that hold it together. It provides the shared understanding and communication that allows a society to function. Without it, the building would crumble. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 21

22. DISCOURSE CONSTITUTES SOCIETY AND CULTURE Discourse is dynamic, not static. As societies and cultures change, so too does discourse. New words emerge, old ones take on new meanings, and debates create new understandings. This ongoing process is what keeps societies and cultures vibrant and evolving. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 22

23. DISCOURSE CONSTITUTES SOCIETY AND CULTURE In conclusion, discourse is the very fabric of society and culture. It shapes how we think, act, and understand the world around us. By analyzing discourse, we gain a deeper understanding of the societies and cultures we live in. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 23

24. DISCOURSE DOES IDEOLOGICAL WORK Ideology refers to a set of beliefs that justifies a particular social order. CDA argues that language can be used to promote a particular ideology, often in the interests of powerful groups. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 24

25. DISCOURSE DOES IDEOLOGICAL WORK PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 25 Challenging Dominant Ideologies: CDA questions the status quo and the powerful narratives that underpin it. By analyzing language choices and power structures, it exposes how certain ideologies are presented as natural or common sense, even though they benefit specific groups. This can lead to a more critical and questioning approach to the ideas we encounter every day.

26. DISCOURSE DOES IDEOLOGICAL WORK CDA works to dismantle the idea that language is neutral and objective. It reveals how language choices can be used to promote particular viewpoints and marginalize others. By making these hidden biases visible, CDA empowers people to see through manipulative language and make more informed choices. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 26 Challenging Dominant Ideologies: CDA questions the status quo and the powerful narratives that underpin it. By analyzing language choices and power structures, it exposes how certain ideologies are presented as natural or common sense, even though they benefit specific groups. This can lead to a more critical and questioning approach to the ideas we encounter every day.

27. DISCOURSE DOES IDEOLOGICAL WORK Giving Voice to Marginalized Groups: CDA provides a framework for analyzing how powerful groups use language to silence or delegitimize opposing viewpoints. By highlighting these inequalities, CDA can give voice to marginalized groups and challenge the power dynamics that perpetuate social problems. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 27 Challenging Dominant Ideologies: CDA questions the status quo and the powerful narratives that underpin it. By analyzing language choices and power structures, it exposes how certain ideologies are presented as natural or common sense, even though they benefit specific groups. This can lead to a more critical and questioning approach to the ideas we encounter every day.

28. DISCOURSE DOES IDEOLOGICAL WORK Here's a metaphor: Imagine ideology as a pair of glasses you wear without realizing it. These glasses color your perception of the world. CDA is like taking off those glasses and seeing the world for what it really is. It allows you to question what you see and think more critically about the messages you encounter. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 28 Challenging Dominant Ideologies: CDA questions the status quo and the powerful narratives that underpin it. By analyzing language choices and power structures, it exposes how certain ideologies are presented as natural or common sense, even though they benefit specific groups. This can lead to a more critical and questioning approach to the ideas we encounter every day.

29. DISCOURSE DOES IDEOLOGICAL WORK It's important to note that CDA itself isn't inherently ideological. However, the ideological critique it provides can be used to support various social justice movements and challenge a wide range of power structures. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 29 Challenging Dominant Ideologies: CDA questions the status quo and the powerful narratives that underpin it. By analyzing language choices and power structures, it exposes how certain ideologies are presented as natural or common sense, even though they benefit specific groups. This can lead to a more critical and questioning approach to the ideas we encounter every day.

30. DISCOURSE IS HISTORICAL The way we use language is shaped by history and culture. CDA looks at how language use has changed over time and how it is connected to broader social and political changes. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 30

31. DISCOURSE IS HISTORICAL CDA examines how power dynamics and social issues are reflected in language use throughout history. By analyzing historical texts, speeches, and other forms of communication, CDA can reveal how certain ideas and ideologies have been constructed and perpetuated over time. This historical analysis allows us to understand the roots of contemporary social problems and how language has been used to maintain the status quo. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 31

32. DISCOURSE IS HISTORICAL Here's an example: A CDA scholar might analyze how racist language has been used to justify slavery and colonialism throughout history. This analysis can shed light on the present-day consequences of those historical discourses. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 32

33. DISCOURSE IS HISTORICAL CDA recognizes that language itself is a historical phenomenon. The way we use words and construct meaning changes over time. By examining how discourse has evolved, CDA can reveal how our understanding of the world has shifted. This historical approach helps us avoid taking language for granted and recognize the power dynamics embedded within it. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 33

34. DISCOURSE IS HISTORICAL By understanding how language has been used historically, CDA equips us to be more critical of contemporary discourse. It helps us see how power relations are reproduced in the present and identify areas where language can be used to challenge social inequalities. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 34

35. DISCOURSE IS HISTORICAL In essence, CDA uses the lens of history to understand the present and work towards a more just future. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 35

36. THE LINK BETWEEN TEXT AND SOCIETY IS MEDIATED CDA does not argue that there is a simple cause-and-effect relationship between language and society. The way language shapes society is mediated by other factors, such as social institutions, economic forces, and cultural norms. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 36

37. THE LINK BETWEEN TEXT AND SOCIETY IS MEDIATED The link between text and society is mediated because the meaning we take away from a text isn't a direct transfer of information. Several factors come into play between the written word and how it shapes society, or how society shapes the creation of the text. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 37

38. THE LINK BETWEEN TEXT AND SOCIETY IS MEDIATED Power and Knowledge: The production and circulation of texts are not neutral processes. Power structures influence who gets to create texts, what gets published, and how information is presented. This means the knowledge available in a society is shaped by power dynamics, and texts themselves can be tools to reinforce or challenge those dynamics. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 38

39. THE LINK BETWEEN TEXT AND SOCIETY IS MEDIATED Interpretation and Context:   The meaning we derive from a text is heavily influenced by our own social background, experiences, and cultural assumptions. The same text can have very different meanings for different people depending on their context. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 39

40. THE LINK BETWEEN TEXT AND SOCIETY IS MEDIATED Genre and Conventions:  Texts are not created in a vacuum. They follow specific genres and conventions that shape how we interpret them. A news article is read differently than a poem, for instance. Understanding these conventions is crucial for accurately interpreting the message of a text. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 40

41. DISCOURSE ANALYSIS IS INTERPRETATIVE AND EXPLANATORY CDA is not about finding one right interpretation of a text. It is about understanding the different ways that a text can be interpreted and how those interpretations are shaped by power relations norms. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 41

42. DISCOURSE ANALYSIS IS INTERPRETATIVE AND EXPLANATORY Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is considered both interpretive and explanatory because it goes beyond simply describing what a text says to understanding the underlying reasons for why it's said that way and the effects it has. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 42

43. DISCOURSE ANALYSIS IS INTERPRETATIVE AND EXPLANATORY Interpretive Aspect: Unearthing Hidden Meanings:  CDA doesn't take a text at face value. It acknowledges that language can be used in subtle ways to convey hidden meanings and ideologies. The analyst interprets the text by considering the context, the choice of words, and the silences (what's not mentioned). PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 43

44. DISCOURSE ANALYSIS IS INTERPRETATIVE AND EXPLANATORY Accounting for Different Viewpoints:  CDA recognizes that different readers may interpret a text differently based on their background and social position. The analyst considers these various interpretations to get a more nuanced understanding of the text's potential impact. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 44

45. DISCOURSE ANALYSIS IS INTERPRETATIVE AND EXPLANATORY Explanatory Aspect: Linking Language to Power:  CDA goes beyond interpretation to explain how language use is connected to power relations in society. The analyst examines how the text reflects and reinforces existing power structures, or potentially challenges them. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 45

46. DISCOURSE ANALYSIS IS INTERPRETATIVE AND EXPLANATORY Exposing Social Issues:  CDA uses its analysis to explain how language is used to perpetuate social inequalities like racism, sexism, or classism. By explaining these connections, CDA aims to raise awareness of these issues and promote social change. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 46

47. DISCOURSE IS A FORM OF SOCIAL ACTION Language is not just a neutral way of communicating. It can be used to do things, such as persuade, insult, or entertain. CDA looks at the way language is used as a form of social action. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 47

48. DISCOURSE IS A FORM OF SOCIAL ACTION Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is considered a form of social action because it goes beyond analyzing text; it aims to create positive change in society. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 48

49. DISCOURSE IS A FORM OF SOCIAL ACTION Empowering Through Awareness:  CDA exposes the unequal power dynamics embedded in language use. By revealing how language can marginalize or silence certain groups, CDA empowers people to recognize and challenge these inequalities. This awareness can spark movements for social justice. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 49

50. DISCOURSE IS A FORM OF SOCIAL ACTION Challenging Dominant Narratives:  CDA critiques the way powerful groups control narratives through discourse. By deconstructing these narratives, CDA opens space for alternative viewpoints and empowers marginalized voices. This can lead to a more inclusive and equitable public discourse. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 50

51. DISCOURSE IS A FORM OF SOCIAL ACTION Informing Policy and Advocacy:  CDA research can inform policy changes and advocacy efforts. By analyzing how language is used in legislation, media portrayals, or educational materials, CDA can identify areas where language reinforces social problems. This knowledge can be used to push for more just and equitable policies. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 51

52. DISCOURSE IS A FORM OF SOCIAL ACTION CDA is not simply about pointing out problems. It aims to equip people with the tools to challenge them. By making the workings of power in language visible, CDA empowers individuals and communities to advocate for a more just and equitable world. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 52

53. DISCOURSE IS A FORM OF SOCIAL ACTION Here are some additional points to consider: Collaboration with Activists:  CDA scholars often collaborate with activists and social justice organizations to put their research into action. This can involve workshops, training sessions, or providing expert analysis for advocacy campaigns. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 53

54. DISCOURSE IS A FORM OF SOCIAL ACTION Amplifying Marginalized Voices:  CDA can be a powerful tool for amplifying the voices of those who are often marginalized or silenced in dominant discourses. By giving voice to these experiences, CDA can help to create a more inclusive society. PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 54

55. Thank you