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Discourse

The document discusses different types of discourse and their functions. It defines discourse and explains that it can serve informative, expressive, directive, ceremonial, and phatic functions. It then describes five main forms of discourse: narrative, descriptive, argumentative, persuasive, and expository. Narrative involves storytelling while descriptive uses sensory details. Argumentative aims to logically support a position and persuasive intends to convince. Expository delivers information on a topic.

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2K views6 pages

Discourse

The document discusses different types of discourse and their functions. It defines discourse and explains that it can serve informative, expressive, directive, ceremonial, and phatic functions. It then describes five main forms of discourse: narrative, descriptive, argumentative, persuasive, and expository. Narrative involves storytelling while descriptive uses sensory details. Argumentative aims to logically support a position and persuasive intends to convince. Expository delivers information on a topic.

Uploaded by

Maqadus ch
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Table of contents

Page
Topic name
No.

Discourse
2
Definition

Discourse serving multiple functions


Informative
Expressive
Directive 2&3
Ceremonial
Performative
Phatic function of language

The forms of discourse


Narrative
Description
4&5
Argumentative
Persuasive
Expository

References 5

1
Discourse

Originally the word “discourse” comes from Latin word “discursus” means “conversation or
speech”.

In linguistics, a unit of language longer than a single sentence is called discourse.

Verbally interchange of ideas especially conversation.

In literature, discourse means speech or writing, normally longer than sentences, which deals with
a certain subject formally.

e.g. two politicians are talking about current events.

Discourse serving multiple functions:

The Functions of Language means its purpose, what it does and its uses.

1: Informative language:

• A function in which one uses language to make statements, to communicate about


information.
• Language is used to tell the facts, to give information about something.

These sentences have a truth value; that is the sentences are either true or false.

Example: “logic is the study of correct reasoning”

2: Expressive language function:

• Language is used to reveal something about the feelings and attitudes of the speaker.
• The expression of emotions, feelings or attitudes.

Two main aspects of this function are generally noted:

(1) Evoking certain feelings and (2) Expressing feelings.

Example: I am very happy or I spent a wonderful vacation. We can see from the previous examples
that they reflex the feelings of the speaker or the writer.

2
3: Directive language function:

• The directive function are commands and requests.


• Used for the purpose of causing.
• Directive language is not normally considered true or false.

Example: “Shut the door “or” Close the windows”.

4: The ceremonial function:

• Ceremonially is used more literally, to describe an action that is actually part of a


ceremony.

Example: "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here together as a witness of marriage ceremony

so…….

5: Performative function of language:

• Language which performs the action of reports.

Example: "I do" in the marriage ceremony and the use of performative verbs such as "accept,"
"apologize," "congratulate," and "promise."

6: Phatic function of language:

• Language is used for establishing an atmosphere or maintaining social contact between the
speakers.

Example; greetings, farewells, small talk. For example, when a person asks “How are you today?”

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The forms of discourse:

Forms of discourse are also known as rhetorical modes; are types of speaking and writing.

There are five main forms of discourse.

1. Narrative
2. Descriptive
3. Argumentative
4. Persuasive
5. Expository

Narrative:

Narrative writing involves telling a story (narrating). Narration involves several features, such as:

• Point of view (first person and third person)


• Characters
• Setting
• Plot
• Conflict
• Resolution

Descriptive:

Descriptive writing features descriptive words/phrases and sensory images.

An effective piece of descriptive writing should make the reader feel as if he or she is experiencing
what is being described (by using five senses: smell, taste, touch, hear and sight).

Argumentative:

Argumentative writing/speaking is similar to persuasive writing/speaking. However, the argument


is put forward in a logical manner and is often supported by facts.

Persuasive techniques are often used in argument.

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Persuasive:

The purpose of persuasive writing/speaking is to convince the readers/listeners to change their


mode of thinking or to persuade them to take a specific action.

Persuasive techniques are often used in:

• Advertisements
• Argumentative writing
• Political campaigns

Expository:

The purpose of expository writing or exposition, is to deliver information about an issue, subject,
method or idea.

Types of expository writing include:

• Analogy
• Analysis
• Cause and effect
• Classification
• Comparison and contrast
• Definition
• Examples

References:
hhtps://philosophy./lander.edu/logic/form_lang.html
https://www.ukessays.com/essays/english-language/f
hhtps://study.com/academy/lesson/the-uses-of-language.html
Discourse PPT slides by Keisha Parris

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