Discourse analysis and policy features

Discourse analysis is one of the most complicated forms of text analysis at the intersection of sociology, linguistics and philosophy. In order to understand the topic, it is necessary to explain the meaning of some terms that are used in this case.

A sign system is a collection of signs (letters, gestures, individual things, etc.) that form a single system and within which the author of utterances exists. This means that each person exists in his own discursive space and uses established signs and meanings to determine the essence of things or phenomena that surround him. If we simplify the situation somewhat, we can give a simple example of such a statement: "Vasya is a bad person." This phrase is oriented to a certain social environment, who knows Washuu and has a certain opinion about him. Accordingly, the meaning of the statement "fits" into the ethical, social, value context surrounding this reference group. And in this sense the word "bad" takes on a meaning that is understood within this group. For external observation, the internal meaning may be vague or even elusive, although for the members of the group it is precise and specific.

A proposition is actually a statement existing within a certain discursive space. In most cases, the discourse-analysis is oriented precisely on the study of propositions and internal semantics of the sign system under examination.

Discourse is a complex concept that determines the presence of a given sign system producing characteristic propositions. In the narrow sense, we are talking about the social language or sociolinguistic projection of the reference group.

Discourse analysis in itself expresses only the methodological direction of research, and also to some extent concretizes the object of ongoing analytical work. Therefore, different forms of discourse are distinguished - professional, scientific, economic, bureaucratic. The analysis of discourse also determines the methods of research - depending on the goals and tasks set.

However, discourse analysis has one more characteristic feature. With the help of it, it is possible to determine to what extent an established sign system constructs a social space around itself, and therefore creates social and value norms inside and outside the reference group. In addition, contexts of utterances, semantic links, latent meanings and contexts are also being clarified.

The term "political discourse", more precisely its analysis, has recently become the most popular not only among analysts, but also the bearers of explicit and secret political meanings. When accompanied by political activities, and even the election campaign , it becomes necessary to determine both the strategic and tactical aspirations of competitors, the meaning of "enemy" proposals, the peculiarities of "language" when working with the electorate. Just discourse analysis, due to the fact that it integrates the scientific practices of linguistics, sociology, political science and psychology, is an ideal assistant for solving such problems.