Fairclough Critical Discourse Analysis

Summary

Norman Fairclough, a pioneer in Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), posits that language is a conduit for power dynamics. His model for CDA encompasses three dimensions: text, discursive practice, and social practice. Textual analysis reveals attitudes through word choice, while discursive practice examines how language shapes perceptions and behaviors. Social practice delves into societal norms and organizational structures, illustrating how language within them can catalyze change. Fairclough's model, though complex, offers a nuanced lens for understanding the interplay of language and power in societal contexts.

Takeaways

• 📚 Norman Fairclough, born in 1941, is a renowned linguist and a founder of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA).
• 🌐 CDA is an interdisciplinary approach that studies how power is exercised through language in various social practices.
• 🔍 Fairclough's model of CDA consists of three dimensions: text, discursive practice, and social practice, each focusing on different aspects of language use.
• 📝 The 'text' dimension examines language at the word level, including speech, writing, and images, to reveal attitudes and interpretations.
• 🎤 'Discursive practice' involves the production and constitution of texts, influencing how language can be a bearer of change.
• 🏢 'Social practice' relates to societal norms and organizational structures, showing how language is linked to power and community identity.
• 🌱 Language is seen as a tool for change, capable of shaping behavior and social relationships within a community.
• 🔎 CDA can reveal the intentions behind word choices, such as the difference between referring to someone as a 'woman' versus a 'lady'.
• 🌐 The model's application can vary across cultures, especially between low and high context cultures, where unspoken messages are crucial.
• 📈 Fairclough's model is particularly useful for understanding the sender's intended message and desired recipient behavior in discourse.
• 💬 Criticisms of the model highlight its complexity and the need for careful application to avoid misinterpretation across different cultural contexts.

Q & A

Who is Norman Fairclough and what is his contribution to the field of linguistics?

Norman Fairclough, born in 1941, is an emeritus professor of linguistics at Lancaster University in England. He is one of the founders of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as applied to sociolinguistics.

What is Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and how does it relate to power and language?

Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of discourse that views language as a form of social practice. It is concerned with how power is exercised through language.

What are the three dimensions of Norman Fairclough's model for Critical Discourse Analysis?

The three dimensions of Fairclough's model are: 1) Text, which includes speech, writing, images, or a mixture of these forms of communication; 2) Discursive Practice, involving the production or constitution of texts; and 3) Social Practice, which is about societal standards or organizational structures.

How does the choice of words in language reflect our attitude towards a subject?

The choice of words in language allows us to express our attitude towards a subject. For example, using 'witch' versus 'woman' or 'lady' can convey different attitudes towards an elderly neighbor.

How does language act as a bearer of change according to CDA?

Language can be a bearer of change because the words we use and the way we compose our sentences can alter our views on a subject. Text is almost always subject to interpretation and contains values, attitudes, and assessments that can influence recipients.

What is the significance of language in creating social relationships and practices?

Language is significant in creating social relationships and practices because it helps form the context of our social community and is closely linked to the society we are in. It is associated with power and can reflect the norms and traditions of an organization or society.

Can you provide an example of how language is used to communicate change within an organization?

In the case of a fire and rescue company, the CEO used a New Year's speech to communicate structural changes due to government reforms. The speech was unifying, encouraging, and paternal, reflecting management's view of the change and setting the agenda for the company's future.

What is the role of 'discursive practice' in Fairclough's model and how does it relate to the production of texts?

Discursive practice in Fairclough's model involves the production or constitution of texts. It includes how texts are produced, whether through speech or writing, and how the author may draw on other discourses, indicating the intertextual nature of communication.

How does the concept of 'social practice' differ across industries and within the same industry?

Social practice refers to the norms and traditions within a specific organization or industry. It can vary significantly from one industry to another and even within the same industry, reflecting the unique organizational structures, leadership styles, and cultural contexts.

What are some criticisms of Fairclough's Critical Discourse Analysis model?

One criticism of Fairclough's model is that it can be difficult to understand and use, requiring a deep understanding of the principles. Additionally, it may not be as effective when transferred between different cultural contexts, particularly between low and high context cultures.