Readings Week 9
0Sunday, November 4, 2012 by Unknown
Thoughts on Van Dijk reading: “Principles
of Critical Discourse Analysis”
Van Dijk, through
his thorough analysis of the structures of domination, seems genuinely concerned
with promoting social equality. Van Dijk
argues that when certain social groups (Elites) have a monopoly over various
communication mediums, whether these Elites realize it or not, their cultural
biases serve to maintain a system of domination. Since these Elites have a monopoly over
various communication mediums, they are in a position to dictate social customs
and norms of communication (verbal and non-verbal) that can unintentionally
perpetuate stereotypes of social groups.
These stereotypes, by creating a certain negative mental image of other social
groups, serve to perpetuate this system of domination.
I think that
Critical Discourse Analysis, could serve as a tool of emancipation for certain
socially oppressed groups. By educating the
socially oppressed about the structures of power and domination, such discourse
could equip these social groups with the tools to demand respect for themselves
by not tolerating a system that devalues their human dignity by undermining their
basic human rights.
How would
Critical Discourse Analysis prove meaningful to those social groups who enjoy a
more privileged social position in relation to others? It seems that Critical
Discourse Analysis, would force those individuals enjoying a more privileged
social status, to be more consciously aware of their words, thoughts and deeds
in how they perceive and interact with other social groups. Such awareness is a necessary first step in stemming the tide of social
inequality.
