DISCOURSE COMMUNITY Meaning and
Definition
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A discourse community refers to a group of individuals who share a common purpose or interest and engage in ongoing communication and exchange of ideas related to their shared activity or field of knowledge. It is a social group that is formed by people who use a specific language, jargon, and communication style to interact and connect with each other. Members of a discourse community often have shared goals, values, and beliefs, which influence their ways of communicating and understanding information.
The term "discourse" refers to the language, communication practices, and rules that are specific to a particular group or community. These shared ways of speaking and writing enable members of a discourse community to effectively communicate and convey their ideas and knowledge to others within their community. Moreover, it helps establish a common understanding and fosters a sense of belonging and identity among community members.
Being part of a discourse community involves adopting a specific vocabulary, using specialized terminology, and employing certain writing or speaking styles that are recognized and accepted by other members of the community. This enables effective communication, facilitates knowledge sharing, and helps maintain the integrity and cohesion of the community. Discourse communities can be found in various domains, such as academic disciplines, professional organizations, online communities, and even informal social groups centered around hobbies or interests.
Etymology of DISCOURSE COMMUNITY
The term "discourse community" combines two main components: "discourse" and "community".
The word "discourse" originated from the Latin word "discursus", which means "conversation" or "discussion". It developed through Old French and Middle English, ultimately referring to the exchange of thoughts or ideas through speech or writing.
The term "community" stems from the Latin word "communitas", meaning "fellowship" or "commonality". It evolved through Old French and Middle English to denote a group of people sharing similar interests, characteristics, or geographical proximity.
Combining these two elements, the phrase "discourse community" emerged in the field of sociolinguistics and was popularized by linguist John Swales in the 1980s. It refers to a social group that shares common goals, practices, and ways of communication, often within a specific field or discipline.
