Theoretical Foundations of Discourse Analysis

Theoretical foundations of discourse analysis explore how language shapes and reflects social realities, meanings, and power dynamics. It examines how people use language in context—such as conversations, texts, or media—to convey intentions, influence others, and construct identities. Drawing from fields like linguistics, sociology, and psychology, it considers factors like culture, social norms, and relationships. Essentially, discourse analysis helps us understand not just what is said, but how language functions in specific settings to influence understanding and behavior, revealing underlying assumptions and social structures embedded in communication.