The term discourse comes from the word discursus.
In medieval Latin, it means “argument,” and in
late Latin, it means “conversation.”
A discourse is a formal and often lengthy discussion of a topic, where concepts and insights are
arranged in an organized and logical manner. It is often associated with speech, but it may also be
written. It usually serves as a writer’s or a scholar’s analysis of a concept or theory proposed by
another writer.
Purposes of a Discourse
To inform
A discourse may aim to inform; such discourse provides a descriptive and comprehensive
discussion on the topic. It points out what one should know about a topic or subject.
To persuade
A discourse that aims to persuade tries to convince the readers that the proposed claim or solution is
better than any other proposal.
To entertain
A discourse that aims to amuse provides a source of entertainment for its readers
Analyzing a Discourse
Analyzing a discourse is usually contextual. The reader tries to consider several factors that may
have influenced the writer to make certain claims. Those factors explain the author’s biases,
philosophy, and educational and professional backgrounds, among others. Below are three of those
factors.
Culture
The beliefs, customs, attitudes, language, and other things that define culture may influence the
author’s perspective on several issues. Knowing about the culture the author belongs to may help
the reader may understand his or her biases.
Social environment
The author’s physical surroundings and social relationships, as well as the culture of the time may
have influenced his or her writing. For instance, during the early decades of the 20th century, most
writers produced works that were classified as “modern” because of its distinct feature: stream of
consciousness.
Experiences
Personal accounts or firsthand experience of events, though subjective, establish credibility and
reliability of information presented in any discourse.
A discourse is a formal and often lengthy discussion of a topic, where concepts and insights are
arranged in an organized and logical manner. Also, it refers to the way how language is used to
convey meanings or to propel action or provoke a specific response.
Purposes of Discourse
1. To inform – A discourse that aims to inform provides a descriptive and comprehensive discussion on
the topic. It points out what one should know about a topic or subject.
2. To persuade – A discourse that aims to persuade tries to convince the readers that the proposed
claim or solution is better than any other proposal.
3. To entertain – A discourse that aims to amuse provides a source of entertainment for its readers.
Types of Discourse
1) Argumentation
Argumentation is the act or process of making and presenting arguments. Arguments are a series of
statements for or against an idea.
In an argumentative discourse, the writer aims to persuade the audience or readers. He or she
presents valid claims or counterclaims, each supported by evidence, to prove a point. In proving
claims, the writer presents studies, experts’ opinions, and statistical data, among others. Moreover,
an argumentative discourse should appeal to logic or reason instead of emotion.
2) Description
This type of discourse is based on the main impression of the author about the topic or subject. Its
purpose is to transmit that impression through concrete, colorful, and vivid language so that readers
can fully imagine the topic or subject.
An author’s impression is influenced by his or her prior knowledge, culture, environment, and
experiences, among others. As the author describes his or her observations, it triggers sensory
images among readers.
3) Exposition
This aims to inform about, clarify, and explain a phenomenon. It defines what something is and
provides an in-depth discussion about topics that are usually less explored. Moreover, it may also
give reader instructions on how something is done.
4) Narration
This type of discourse is like storytelling. It recalls events chronologically. This discourse is told in
the first-, second-, or third-person point of view. The general purpose of narration then is to relate a
series of events. Moreover, its structure may be linear or nonlinear. A linear structure follows a
typical format: beginning, middle, end. A nonlinear structure may start from the end or in the middle.
Types of Discourse
1. Argumentation – In this type of discourse, the writer aims to persuade the audience or readers. He
or she presents valid claims or counterclaims, each supported by evidence, to prove a point.
2. Description – This type of discourse is based on the main impression of the author about the topic
or subject. His or her impression is influenced by prior knowledge, culture, environment, and
experiences, among others.
3. Exposition – This aims to inform, clarify, and explain a phenomenon. It defines what something is
and provides an in-depth discussion about topics that are usually less explored.
4. Narration – This type of discourse is like storytelling. It recalls events chronologically. It is told in the
first-, second-, or third-person point of view. Moreover, its structure may be linear or nonlinear.
A literary discourse is generally focused on creative works such as poetry, short stories, novels,
plays, and even nonfiction. Also, it includes texts that are used strictly for business communication
such as letters, memos, and resumes.
Types of Literary Discourse
1) Poetic
This type of discourse is commonly found in creative works like poems, novels, short stories, and
plays. It focuses on how language is used to form themes and convey ideologies. Some meanings in
creative works are explicit, while some are implied, especially in poems. Ordinary words, especially
those used in a poem, are made appealing through sound patterns.
2) Expressive
This type of discourse is commonly found in academic journals, letters, diaries, and blogs. It is a
personal narrative and is typically written in the first-person point of view. In the process, the writer
reveals something about his or her identity. In literary terms, expressive discourses are referred to
as creative nonfiction.
3) Transactional
This type of discourse is commonly found in instructional materials, advertisements, and editorial
articles, among others. It is directive in nature as it provides detailed information on how something
is done or achieved. Moreover, it encourages the reader to do something or to take action.
A literary discourse is generally focused on creative works, including nonfiction. Also, it includes
texts that are used strictly for business communication.
An academic discourse is expository or argumentative in nature. Sometimes, it presents an
individual’s insights regarding a concept or method in a scholarly way.
Academic discourse includes academic journals and essays. Journals and essays as personal
narratives are generally classified as expressive literary discourse because of their use of the first-
person point of view. So what makes academic journals and essays different from them? What
makes certain texts academic?
Differences between Academic and Literary Discourses
Unlike literary discourse, an academic discourse uses formal language and the third-person point of
view; it maintains an objective tone. It avoids using figures of speech and idiomatic expressions,
including biased or stereotyped and sexist language. Its examples include academic essays,
journals, book reviews, synthesis, literature review, and research, among others.
General Format of Academic Discourses
Structures or formats of academic discourses may vary depending on the approved or
recommended style guide to use.
1) Introduction
In this part, the writer states the significance of the topic and the issues that need to be addressed.
Also, the writer mentions the objectives of the discourse and how it may be beneficial or detrimental.
2) Body
In this part, the writer discusses the methods of gathering information. He or she then presents the
findings and interprets them. Moreover, he or she formulates arguments and supports them with
evidence.
3) Conclusion
In this part, the writer reiterates the claims and asserts his or her stand. He or she may include
insights and recommendations for further studies.
An academic discourse is expository or argumentative in nature. Sometimes, it presents an
individual’s insights regarding a concept or method in a scholarly way.
