Unit 1 Lesson 1 Definition and purposes of a discourse

• Discourse is a formal and often lengthy discussion of a topic, where concepts and insights are arranged in an organized and logical manner
• Discourse may be associated with speech but can also be a written text, conveying meanings or provoking specific responses
• Examples of discourse:

  • Critique: uses formal language, contains ideas arranged logically, provides detailed evaluation or review
  • Diary: a daily record of personal experiences and thoughts, offering insight into the writer's personality or values
• The purpose of discourse can be to persuade, entertain, or inform the audience
• Factors that may influence the analysis of discourse include culture, social environment, and experiences
• Importance of knowing the nature and Purposes of a Discourse

  • Allows individuals to express their ideas and thoughts effectively.
  • Understand and interpret the perspectives and opinions of others.
  • Build relationships through effective communication.
• Discourse

  • Comes from the word "discursus" in medival Latin meaning "argument" in late Latin meaning "conversation"
• Purpose of Discourse

  • To Persuade:
  • tries to convince the readers that the proposed claim or solution is better than any other proposaltries
  • to convince the readers to believe in or do something
• Purpose of Discourse

  • To Entertain
  • Aims to amuse it's readers
  • Provides a source of entertainment for it's readers
• Purpose of Discourse

  • To Inform
  • gives information to an audience using verbal descriptions and, sometimes, accompanying visuals or demonstrations.