Principles of Critical Discourse Analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT. This paper discusses some principles of critical discourse analysis, such as the explicit sociopolitical stance of discourse analysts, and a focus on dominance relations by elite groups and institutions as they are being enacted, legitimated or otherwise reproduced by text and talk. One of the crucial elements of this analysis of the relations between power and discourse is the patterns of access to (public) discourse for different social groups. Theoretically it is shown that in order to be able to relate power and discourse in an explicit way, we need the cognitive interface of models. knowledge, attitudes and ideologies and other social representations of the social mind, which also relate the individual and the social, and the micro-and the macro-levels of social structure. Finally, the argument is illustrated with an analysis of parliamentary debates about ethnic affairs.

Detecting Covert Networks in Multilingual Groups: Evidence within a Virtual World

“…A theme of information "seeking and providing" emerged from this process. The text chat occurred in sequential order, as is consistent with the observation of turn-taking in other discourse analyses (Van Dijk, 1993;Potter, 1996;Paltridge & Burton, 2000). When an individual is asked a question, people interested in the question, or obliged to respond to that individual, will quickly respond (Belkin et al, 1987).…”

Standards and Separatism: The Discursive Construction of Gender in English Soccer Coach Education

“…As the institution that regulates football in England, the FA and its county (regional) football associations (CFAs) are the dominant site for teaching the everyday meanings and definitions of football, coaching, and associated roles and values. Given that football is the national game and a major cultural force, this is highly significant as the FA is also in a powerful position to influence the wider social context (van Dijk, 1993). The publicly stated FA policy is to promote the inclusion and progression of women within coaching (Football Association, 2001) and these aims have been put into action through the implementation of separatist policies which, as noted earlier, have been found to be problematic solutions to the issue of gender equality (Sinclair, 2000).…”

“…Indeed FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) is a major trans-global socio-economic and "culturalideological" force (Sklair, 1991, p.6). Such an impact is to be expected given the influence of organizations on wider discourses and practices (van Dijk, 1993), especially culturally significant organizations such as sport regulators that combine regulatory power with a privileged access to communication, particularly the Media (van Dijk, 1993;Meân Patterson, 2003).…”

Animal Perceptions in Animal Transport Regulations in the EU and in Finland

“…This demonstrates that discourses can change and that they can be changed. Critical discourse analysis aims at revealing the political and practical significance of discourses and also the societal power relations that maintain such discourses (Fairclough 1993;van Dijk 1993).…”