The Foundations of Discourse Analysis

The foundations of discourse analysis involve studying how language is used in communication to understand social and cultural meanings. It examines not just what is said, but how it’s said, the context, and the underlying assumptions, power dynamics, and relationships involved. By analyzing conversation, texts, or interactions, discourse analysis reveals how language shapes identity, influences behavior, and constructs social reality. It combines insights from linguistics, sociology, and psychology to explore the ways language reflects and constructs the world around us.