Critical Discourse Analysis

Summary

The video discusses critical discourse analysis (CDA), a method used to examine power relationships in texts. It explains how CDA, along with first readings and the 'Big Five' analysis, can be applied to strengthen argumentation. The video introduces key concepts like framing, foregrounding, backgrounding, audience reception, topicalization, and agent-patient relations. These elements help to understand how language reinforces societal values, biases, and stereotypes. The goal is to uncover the implications of power dynamics and perspectives in texts, aiding in thesis development.

Takeaways

• 📖 Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) examines power relationships in texts and how they are established and reinforced.
• 🔍 CDA can be combined with other analyses like 'First Read' and 'Big Five' to develop a strong argument.
• 🧠 'First Read' focuses on the reader's personal reaction to the text, while 'Big Five' looks at evidence from the text.
• 📝 Framing refers to the perspective of the writer or speaker, such as a Democratic or Republican bias in U.S. texts.
• 📢 Foregrounding highlights which issues are emphasized in the text and made important by the author.
• 🔕 Backgrounding shows which aspects are downplayed, minimized, or silenced in the text.
• 👥 The audience's expected reception (friendly or hostile) can shape how the author approaches the text.
• 🔄 Topicalization places focus on what's emphasized at the beginning of sentences, indicating what is valued in the text.
• 👑 Agent-patient relationships reveal who holds authority in the text, with active voices giving more agency and power.
• 💡 CDA helps uncover what society and authors value, dismiss, and the implications of reinforcing power dynamics and stereotypes.

Q & A

What is Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA)?

Critical Discourse Analysis is a method used to examine power relationships in a text and how they are established and reinforced through language.

How can CDA be used in text analysis?

CDA can be used to interrogate texts by analyzing the biases, power dynamics, and societal implications present within the language and structure of the text.

What is the purpose of the 'first read' step in text analysis?

The 'first read' is meant to capture the initial reaction to the text, focusing on personal impressions before any deeper analytical frameworks are applied.

What is the 'Big Five' in the context of text analysis?

The 'Big Five' refers to gathering evidence from the text that can be used to support an argument, focusing on key elements that are explicitly present in the text.

How does the perspective or background of the writer shape a text?

The perspective or background of the writer, such as political or ideological leanings, influences the framing and biases of the text, affecting how information is presented.

What is 'foregrounding' in text analysis?

Foregrounding refers to the emphasis placed on specific issues or elements in a text, highlighting what the author deems important.

What does 'backgrounding' mean, and how does it affect the interpretation of a text?

'Backgrounding' involves minimizing or downplaying certain issues in the text, which can silence certain voices or perspectives, affecting the reader's understanding of the text's message.

How does the intended audience influence a text?

The intended audience shapes the approach the author takes, as the text may be tailored to resonate with or challenge the beliefs and values of that audience.

What is topicalization, and why is it important in CDA?

Topicalization refers to what is placed at the beginning of sentences, showing what the sentence is about. It helps identify what is valued or devalued in the text.

What are agent-patient relations, and how do they reveal power dynamics in a text?

Agent-patient relations refer to who is portrayed as having authority or power in a sentence. The active voice is used to give agency, while the passive voice can reduce responsibility or blame.