What do you think when someone says discourse? Be suspicious of simple definitions of discourse. Critical Discourse Analysis Meaning is polysemic. Communication is dialogic. Discourse must be mobilized. Decoding Discourse A search for clues about discursive processes
Search for distinctive features.
Use of language Non-linguistic polysemy Social symbolism and effects Audience cues Etc, etc, etc Discourse is the primary mode of action in the field of human rights.
Let's practice on a few of these instances.
Amnesty International - Death to the Death Penalty How does this communication mobilize human rights-compatible ideas? Amnesty International - Imagine Same question: Look for human rights discourses contained here. UN Bias Against Israel How does this mobilize discourses about human rights? We can all begin to decode discourse with the tools we have available.