Words / C1

DISK-ors/ˈdɪskɔːs/

Discourse is language in use as a social practice — talk or writing that belongs to a field: political discourse, scientific discourse. Native academics use it for patterns of argument, not for a single chat. Discussion is one conversation; a text is one document. Discourse analysis studies how meaning is built in context.

Meaning

Written or spoken communication, especially serious discussion of ideas.

Examples

• “Academic discourse has its own style.”
• “Public discourse on climate has shifted in a decade.”
• “The seminar trains students in the discourse of peer review.”

Good to know

discourse = serious/systemic communication in a field. Everyday: discussion. related: discourse analysis.

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