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Discourse Analysis Assignment: Feature of Discourses

Essay Instructions:

Discourse Analysis

 As we discussed in class, discourses are settings that come with an expected set of behaviors in order to function within the discourse. Another distinguishing feature of discourses is that they require an identity kit required to function within the discourse, which may include a dress code, a specialized vocabulary, etc. For example, a college classroom is a discourse where, in order to adapt and function, one must manifest certain behaviors, such as respect for peers, teachers, etc. Our classroom also constitutes a discourse because we have vocabulary that’s specific to us—memo, business report, executive summary, etc.

 Discourses are also indicative of value systems and they have goals. In other words, most everything that occurs within a given discourse is a reflection of the value system that lies beneath the discourse. And, it is fairly safe to say that discourses are the way that they are because they have some kind of goal. Discourses will often be significantly different from each other. For example, the discourse of a classroom will be different than the discourse of a place of worship, which will be different than the discourse of a night out with friends.

 For the sake our business course, we are interested in the discourse of a workplace. It is important to be aware of (and possibly adapt to) the discourse of one’s workplace in order to navigate daily operations within that discourse. Just like the how the personalities of companies will differ, the discourses (value systems, goals, expected behavior, required identity kit) will also differ.

 Your Task

 This assignment will require that you do some firsthand research and observe a workplace or a classroom setting (though not this one). I’d like you to study a workplace, classroom setting and make inferences about the discourse of this setting.

 I would like you to write two to three pages detailing what you observe to be the discourse of this setting. Some things you can be looking for:

 Vocabulary—Is there a set of vocabulary one would have to know to function in this setting

  • Behaviors—How should people in this discourse conduct themselves? Is it an easygoing environment? Is it a bit more conservative? What’s the general mood like?
  • Dress-code—What kind of uniform(if any) would one need to navigate this discourse? Is there a formal dress-code that’s upheld? Is it a more causal atmosphere where formal dress would be laughed at? 
  • Feel free to list any other observations you make about what will comprise the “identity kit” that’s needed in order to exist within this discourse.
  • For every observation you make, try and think about what values the observation is a reflection of.  What does this discourse value? How do things like the dress-code, the vocabulary, the expected behavior reflect these values?

 

You may use a workplace you where you currently or have previously worked or you can use one that you have no part of but may be interested in.

 

Essay Sample Content Preview:
Discourse Assignment
The restaurant that I chose is one that I know since I’ve been working at it for quite some time. It is well-lit, the ambiance is very conducive for dining, and the atmosphere of professionalism and casualness could be seen in between the way workers interact with each other. In terms of the vocabulary that we use, anyone can notice that specific jargons were already developed and are used quite frequently. By looking on how we communicate and respond using these specific set of the language, it is apparent that the words that we use are designed to make communication easier and more efficient. Some of the specific jargons that we use include: (1) the use of the word “behind” in order to notify another co-worker that he/she is passing in behind of him, (2) the use of hot behind also to caution someone that I am holding something hot or boiling, and (3) the signage and other warning materials that serve as reminders of the SOPS of the workplace. Before this assignment, I usually just take the way we speak with each other for granted, since I’m already used to it. However, what I noticed is that our usage of them seems very “fluent” and “smooth going”. Unlike from the perspective of an outsider, anyone of us does not need to think twice about what is the meaning of the things that we are trying to say to each other. As an example, when someone says hot behind, the person who would hear that need not to think twice and process what does that mean by actually “looking behind” (or at least it seems so).
In terms of the behavior in our workplace, I was able to notice that “professionalism” and “casual and friendly relationship” goes hand in hand with each other. All of us know exactly when to talk and share a story with their colleague, and when to be focused with their jobs. It is apparent that this “work-play” balance is something that we are already used to since there’s no need for a supervisor for us to be focused on doing our own jobs. As an example, most of the employees know when to joke around and when to stay quiet and focused on their jobs. However, we are usually quiet and serious when the testers are there and are casual and fun during prep time. In terms of the ambience of our workplace, the employees usually turn on the music and prefer working whi...
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