14.1 Introduction
Language is more than just grammar and words. Discourse is language used in its social and cultural context, including spoken words, written text, and nonverbal cues like body language and tone. Analyzing discourse helps us understand how people communicate, the hidden meanings in their expressions, power dynamics in conversations, and how language shapes our reality.
Unlike traditional linguistics that focuses on isolated words or sentences, discourse analysis examines language as it's naturally used in longer sequences. This approach reveals socio-psychological aspects of individuals and the broader social dimensions of communication. We move beyond just linguistic structure to see language as a dynamic social phenomenon where meaning is actively built and interpreted within specific interactions.
Understanding communication fully requires an interdisciplinary approach, drawing insights from sociology, anthropology, and psychology. These social and psychological dimensions are crucial for language's real-world meaning. Discourse Analysis (DA) and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) both stem from these disciplines, aiming to understand how language shapes social interactions and perceptions. DA is a widely used qualitative research method across humanities and social sciences.