James Paul Gee Theory

After reading Gee’s definition of discourses many of us develop our own understanding and definition. For me, James Paul Gee theory is not just about the definition of the elements of discourse but, about certain components that present themselves in our everyday life as well in our community. In his introduction “Literacy, Discourse, and Linguistics”, Gee brings various aspects to my attention, such as the nine ways that are associated with identity. To start with, he quotes identity as to “say something, do something, and are something.”. In other words that when we speak we design for a reason and with a purpose. Some of those nine ways intrigue me to conduct a research that has both contradict and support his theory. My research was conducted …show more content…
Going back to the idea that the way we speak and say things depends on the recipient. We can see that Subject A when addressing Subject B uses a soft tone and what he said is portrayed in a nicely matter. In fact, we can see the use of specialized language such as the word “bae”. This word, which may seem unusual, is used to show affection, usually to address a person’s boyfriend or girlfriend. Through this use of specialized language, I was able to conclude that both individuals, Subject A & B, where in a relationship without the need of asking. However, when directing Subject C, we are aware that he curses and uses words that he wouldn’t use to address his girlfriend, such as “Yo’. Subject B as well addresses Subject C differently, she even calls him “dude”. One thing, however, that I find contradicting from Gee’s theory, is the idea that the place one is located also plays a role as to how we choose to communicate. I believe that it all depends on the person. Yes, I agree with Gee that the way we present our identity is going to be very different if we know the person well or we don’t, but the final decision as to how we choose to present our identity is on the person. For example, according to my research Subject A when making his order addresses the cashier in a nicely manner in fact calls her “mam”. Subject A could’ve chose to be rude however does …show more content…
Gee introduced me to our Primary and Secondary Discourse which are the major components that help us learn throughout our lives. Throughout my research I was able to support some of Gee’s claims as well as contradict others. I’ve come to the conclusion that the way we present our identity and interact/communicate in a discourse is truly entitle to the person. At the end, Gee concludes his article by addressing that the focus when we communicate either by writing or communicating is not grammar nor language but rather how we effectively use language to convey our desire