Discourse and discourses. Regarding the discourse limits question in empirical research

Abstract

The article analyzes different approaches to discourse limits question. Attention is paid on solving this methodological and theoretical problem within the framework of critical discourse analysis and the Essex school of discourse analysis. Based on the three dimensions of analysis proposed by N. Fairclough (text, discourse practice, social practice), we focus on three possible ways of isolating discourse: the allocation of discourse on the basis of common topic of so called discourse fragments, allocation of discourse on the basis of special area of social practice and allocation of discourse on the basis of discourse practice, that is, the production, distribution and consumption of texts. At the end of the article, we present the methodological benefits arising from this approach to the question of the boundaries of discourse. The analysis of different approaches to the problem of discourse leads the author to the conclusion about the boundaries of discourse within the framework of empirical analysis. The definition of the institutional framework or framework of a communication event is associated with discourses relevant to producers and recipients.