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Discourse: A Definition and Explanation
Discourse can be defined as connected speech or writing. It is a linguistic unit that is longer than a sentence (exs: a conversation . . . spoken discourse . . . or an essay . . . written discourse). In linguistic parlance, when you are looking at verbal language beyond the sentence level, you are engaging in discourse analysis; when you are studying a writing sample, which might consist of a poem or an editorial, you are dipping in to the field of stylistics. There is a lot of overlap between the two, but let’s first examine spoken discourse and see how your knowledge of this area of linguistics can help you as a teacher of English language learners.
Discourse can be defined as connected speech or writing. It is a linguistic unit that is longer than a sentence (exs: a conversation . . . spoken discourse . . . or an essay . . . written discourse). In linguistic parlance, when you are looking at verbal language beyond the sentence level, you are engaging in discourse analysis; when you are studying a writing sample, which might consist of a poem or an editorial, you are dipping in to the field of stylistics. There is a lot of overlap between the two, but let’s first examine spoken discourse and see how your knowledge of this area of linguistics can help you as a teacher of English language learners.