Swales defined discourse communities as "a group of people who link up in order to pursue objectives that are prior to those of a socialization and solidarity, even if these latter should consequently occur” (Swales, 220). This definition of a discourse community creates an expectation that a group must follow in order for it to be considered a discourse community. New members that are added to discourse communities also have an expectation that in order to become a full member, each individual must be able to contain their personal identities within the language and methods of communication within the community. In this essay I will argue that there are factors that limit the discourse communities that are available for individuals to join
…show more content…
“A discourse community has a threshold level of members with a suitable degree of relevant content and discoursal expertise” (Swales, 220-222). Within this criteria Swales addresses six different factors that need to be present before a group may be considered a discourse community. These six factors allow real discourse communities to be separated from other groups that do not fit all of the criteria laid out. Porter defines a discourse community as “a group of individuals bound by a common interest who communicate through approved channels and whose discourse is regulated.” (Porter, 400). Although he does not have a well-defined list like Swales, Porter’s criteria states that a group must contain individuals who share a common interest, share a common form of communication, and contains some form of controlled system of supervision. Both of these criteria limit the groups that can be defined as discourse …show more content…
Membership for a discourse community depends on the identity of the person and their willingness to adapt and conform to the lifestyles of those who are already in the communities. According to Wardle, newcomers into a community must adapt and find ways to belong within the community. They must adjust to the ways of belonging in a community without losing their identities. Wardle states that it is important for a person to adapt to their surroundings and adopt the ways of the community, but not at the expense of their personal identities. A new member must be cautious and conform to the ways of the community, but also must assert themselves and their identities to the other members of the community in order to maintain their identity within the
“A discourse community has a threshold level of members with a suitable degree of relevant content and discoursal expertise” (Swales, 220-222). Within this criteria Swales addresses six different factors that need to be present before a group may be considered a discourse community. These six factors allow real discourse communities to be separated from other groups that do not fit all of the criteria laid out. Porter defines a discourse community as “a group of individuals bound by a common interest who communicate through approved channels and whose discourse is regulated.” (Porter, 400). Although he does not have a well-defined list like Swales, Porter’s criteria states that a group must contain individuals who share a common interest, share a common form of communication, and contains some form of controlled system of supervision. Both of these criteria limit the groups that can be defined as discourse …show more content…
Membership for a discourse community depends on the identity of the person and their willingness to adapt and conform to the lifestyles of those who are already in the communities. According to Wardle, newcomers into a community must adapt and find ways to belong within the community. They must adjust to the ways of belonging in a community without losing their identities. Wardle states that it is important for a person to adapt to their surroundings and adopt the ways of the community, but not at the expense of their personal identities. A new member must be cautious and conform to the ways of the community, but also must assert themselves and their identities to the other members of the community in order to maintain their identity within the