What is a discourse community according to Swales (1990)?
A group of people who use the same professional genres and specialised lexis.
What role does language play in a discourse community?
It emphasises the important role of language in their workplace.
What types of register are used in medical lexis?
Medical lexis uses both technical, scientific jargon and slang terms.
Examples of technical jargon include chromosomes and aneuploidy; slang terms include ash cash and code brown.
Why is medical jargon often inaccessible to outsiders?
Medical jargon is often very specific and derived from Latinate or Greek origins, making it difficult for those outside the profession to understand.
What is the purpose of slang terms in medical language?
Slang terms in medical language often arise to deal with taboo topics of death and illness, and can build solidarity through black humour.
What are the six key characteristics of language used in the workplace according to Drew and Heritage (1992)?
- Goal orientation
- Turn-taking rules
- Allowable contributions
- Specialist lexis
- Structures
- Asymmetry
What does ‘goal orientation’ refer to in workplace conversations?
Goal orientation refers to participants focusing on specific tasks and goals during workplace conversations.
What are ‘turn-taking rules’ in occupational contexts?
Turn-taking rules are specific guidelines that dictate how participants take turns in conversations, such as in meetings or courtroom hearings.
What does ‘allowable contributions’ mean in workplace conversations?
Allowable contributions refer to the restrictions on what participants are permitted to discuss in workplace conversations.
Why is specialist lexis important in some occupational contexts?
Specialist lexis is important for better understanding and effective communication in specific occupational contexts.
What are some examples of specific structures in workplace interactions?
Examples of specific structures in workplace interactions include interviews and meetings.
What does ‘asymmetry’ mean in workplace interactions?
Asymmetry refers to situations where one speaker has more power or specialist knowledge than the other, such as in doctor/patient or manager/employee relationships.
how does wearing represent define power
wether they represent political, personal (occupation) or social group power
what is influential power
when the person does not have power and they are trying to gain influence over you
what is instrumental power
when the person already has power
what is lexis
the most noticeable aspect of language use, especially in terms that are exclusive to that occupation
when is power asymmetry obvious
when one speaker has a higher status
