What is Discourse Analysis?

1.                  Discourse refers to language in use, as a process which is socially situated. (Candlin, 1997: ix) (Laura Alba-Juez, Perspective on Discourse Analysis: Theory and Practice, 2009: 9)

2.                  The study of discourse is the study of any aspect of language use (Fasold, 1990: 65) (Laura Alba-Juez, Perspective on Discourse Analysis: Theory and Practice, 2009: 9)

3.                  Discourse is being used in a number of different ways and there happens to be disagreement on its use. (According to Nunan) (Alexander Tauschel, Basic Concepts of Discourse Analysis, 2004: 3)

4.                  Discourse : a continuous stretch of (especially spoken) language larger than a sentence, often constituting a coherent unit, such as a sermon argument joke or narrative. (Crystal, 1992: 25) (Alexander Tauschel, Basic Concepts of Discourse Analysis, 2004: 3)

5.                  Discourse : stretches of language perceived to be meaningful, unified and purposive. (Cool, 1989: 156) (Alexander Tauschel, Basic Concepts of Discourse Analysis, 2004: 3)

6.                  Analysis is the process of breaking down a something into its parts to learn what they do and how they relate to one another. (http://www.yourdictionary.com/analysis)  

7.                  Analysis is a systematic examination and evaluation of data or information, by breaking it into its component part to uncover their interrelationship. (http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/analysis.html)

8.                  Discourse analysis is the study of how language is actually used and its effects on the speakers. (Lidia Tanaka, Gender, Language, and Culture: A Study of Japanese Television Interview Discourse, 2004: 3)

9.                  Discourse analysis as the close study of language use as evidence of aspects of society and social life. (Stephanie Taylor, What is Discourse Analysis, 2013: 7)

10.              Discourse analysis (DA), or discourse studies, is a general term for a number of approaches to analyze written, vocal, or sign language use, or any significant semiotic event. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discourse_analysis)

11.              Discourse analysis is a broad term for the study of the ways in which language is used in texts and contexts. Also called discourse studies.

(http://grammar.about.com/od/d/g/discanalysisterm.htm)

12.              The analysis of discourse is, necessarily, the analysis of language in use. As such, it cannot be restricted to the description of linguistic forms independent of the purpose or function which these forms are designed to serve in human affairs. (Brown & Yule, 1983: 1) (Laura Alba-Juez, Perspective on Discourse Analysis: Theory and Practice, 2009: 9)

13.              Discourse analysis involves the study of both text and context. (According to Schiffrin) (Laura Alba-Juez, Perspective on Discourse Analysis: Theory and Practice, 2009: 8)

14.              Discourse analysts are interested in the actual pattern of use in naturally-occurring texts. (Laura Alba-Juez, Perspective on Discourse Analysis: Theory and Practice, 2009: 18)

15.              Discourse analysts are concerned with the internal structures of interactions in their immediate context, but are not overly concerned to relate these individual structures to larger social structures. (Sara Mills, Discourse, 2004: 141)

So, the conclusion of discourse analysis is the study about language use in social life with different ways naturally in text and context.