One has heard the word discourse over our life span at least once. At school, home, work, or just a casual conversation. Through all of these, the definition of discourse always seems to be the same, “a written or spoken communication or debate” (Oxford Dictionary). However, James Paul Gee argues that discourse has multiple meanings, and one of them requires it to have a capital D in the beginning.
Finding out that these differences existed shocked me, as even the most “literary” people I know never defined it like Gee does. The introduction of these differences makes so much sense to me, starting with the fact that now a conversation or Discourse can be used in reference to other topics and subjects. I now understand how primary Discourse can be referenced in industries like psychology, where counselors and therapists focus on the patient nucleus to find answers to current incognitos. All that because of Discourse!
To add some meaning to what Discourse actually is, Gee defines it as saying–doing–being– valuing–believing combinations. This concept makes me understand and categorize my interactions better, and they always depend on who I am talking to, what I am talking about, and where I am talking about it. Noticing that your vocabulary changes depending on who you are talking to was the easiest way for me to understand the concept. Now, I can explain to myself why I also act differently considering those factors instead of just having an “adaptive personality.”
Additionally, knowing how to categorize my interactions with the definition of Discourse it helps at least me, to connect better with the common cause. At work, for example, I know that we share particular codes based on the company’s values and beliefs. Keeping this in mind –as vane and simple as it sounds– while having a work conversation, allows me to engage and relate more effectively.
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