RR #14 Swales

RR #14 Swales

Summary

            With “The Concept of Discourse Community” John Swales strives to define the discourse communities and the academics that comprise them. Swales argues that there should be a solid, identifiable difference between the speech community and the discourse community, and that this difference should be made explicit. Swales takes action, and tasks himself with labeling the discourse community and what it means to be a part of one.

Pre-Reading

            Almost always, I don’t feel at home. So, when trying to distinguish genuine discomfort from a sort of dull out-of-place-ness, I must be in either a very foreign setting, or a setting whose circumstances affect me greatly. The most recent encounter I’ve had with this out-of-place nausea isn’t exactly singular–it’s just when I’m with a friend or two on the weekend and we enter a house whose owner we don’t know in the least. And usually, when we don’t know the owner, we don’t know most of the house’s occupants as well. This always leads to awkward standing, feigned distraction etc. etc. It really never gets better, and always leads to a hot face and a loss for words.

Synthesis

            “The Concept of Discourse Community” shares similarities to “Intertextuality and the Discourse Community”, James Porter’s article detailing the relationship all texts share with each other. With “Intertextuality” the theory that all texts are related to each other is the primary focus, while “Concept” focuses on the community itself, instead of the material it produces. I could see reading “Concept” and then moving on to “Intertextuality” being largely beneficial. The reader would have a clear portrait of the discourse community and the intricacies of its movements.

Questions for Discussion and Journaling

5) I’m not sure if I truly belong to a film discourse community, but it is the closest thing I know. I discuss and research film on a daily basis. My friends are familiar with the terminology I use when talking about film, and they employ the same vocabulary when we converse. I’m most alert and attentive when I’m in Scriptwriting, and also very vocal. In Scriptwriting, we come together to discuss films we like, things we’re writing, how we can better convey ideas etc. etc. If there is a place where I almost never feel out of place, like I mentioned in the pre-reading, it’s in any setting where I’m talking movies.

Personal Response

            I enjoyed this. The concept of the discourse community is attractive to me. I’m not sure why. I’ve always sort of liked the exclusiveness a club or organization presents. That may be pretentious, but pretentiousness isn’t always a bad thing when handled with modesty, empathy and an awareness of social circumstances. Once again, the length is a bit harsh, but there isn’t much I can do. And it really isn’t a bad thing. Length can venture towards meandering, but it can also be a sign of simple thoroughness. And thoroughness is key. With this type of article, interpretation is invaluable, but on the flip side, too much ambiguity isn’t necessarily a plus. Your point needs to be made.