C2 - Lesson 4: Critical Discourse Analysis
The Language of Language
At the peak of language mastery, we understand that language is never neutral. Every word and grammatical choice is a reflection of a certain point of view. Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is the advanced skill of "reading between the lines" to examine the relationship between language, power, and ideology in texts. It helps us understand not just what a text says, but what it *does*.
Key Vocabulary
- Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) The study of the relationship between language, power structures, and ideology in texts.
- Power The ability or capacity to influence the behaviour of others or the course of events.
- Ideology A system of ideas and ideals that forms the basis of economic or political theory.
- Assumption A thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof.
Language and Power: Who is in Control?
Grammatical choices can subtly assign responsibility or make actions seem natural and unavoidable. The passive voice is a key tool in this.
"The company decided to increase prices."
(Clear who is responsible).
"The decision was made to increase prices."
(Who made the decision? The focus is shifted away from the powerful agent).
Uncovering Ideology and Assumptions
The words a writer chooses (diction) reveal their underlying beliefs and assumptions. Consider two ways to describe the same event in Siem Reap.
Text 1: Official Report
"To improve the aesthetic and safety of the riverside area, unauthorized vendors were cleared from the park."
Analysis: The words 'unauthorized' and 'cleared' frame the vendors as illegitimate and the action as a simple, necessary cleaning process. The ideology prioritizes a specific, orderly vision of public space.
Text 2: Local Community Newspaper
"Dozens of local families who made their living along the riverside were forcibly evicted from their stalls."
Analysis: The words 'local families' and 'forcibly evicted' humanize the vendors and frame the action as an aggressive use of power. The ideology prioritizes the social and economic impact on people.
Questions for a Critical Analyst
When you read any text, ask yourself these questions to perform your own CDA:
- Whose voice is being represented as the authority? Whose voice is missing?
- What is being presented as "normal" or "common sense"?
- What do the vocabulary choices (e.g., euphemisms, dysphemisms) tell me about the writer's attitude?
- Why was the passive voice or active voice chosen for this key action?
- Who benefits from this version of reality?
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: Analyze the Language
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A government report refers to a civilian death during a military operation as "collateral damage." What is this an example of?
Answer: A euphemism used to soften a harsh reality and distance the speaker from responsibility.
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A news headline reads: "Protestors and Police Clash in City Streets." What is the effect of the verb "clash"?
Answer: It presents the violence as mutual and equal, without saying who started it or who had more power. It creates a sense of neutral observation.
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Which statement sounds more authoritative and less like a personal opinion?
- a) I think we should reject the proposal.
- b) The proposal must be rejected.
Answer: b. The passive voice makes the decision sound objective and necessary.
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Analyze an Authentic Text
Find a short news article (in English) about a topic you are interested in (e.g., from the BBC, Reuters, Al Jazeera). Read it carefully and then answer these questions.
- Who is quoted or given a voice in the article (e.g., officials, experts, regular citizens)?
- Find one word or phrase that you think reveals the writer's or publication's bias or point of view. Explain why.
- Did the author use the active or passive voice to describe the most important event? What is the effect of that choice?