Identifying Discourse Communities
In Swales’ “The Concept of Discourse Community,” he identifies 6 characteristics
that all discourse communities must have if they are to be considered a discourse
community (220-222). His definitions are rather complex, and so I have simplified
the definitions of each characteristic below in bold. His definitions appear below
those in italics. Following each definition, you will find questions that you can ask
about a discourse community. These questions should help you determine whether
or not a group of people form a discourse community. Remember, in order to be a
discourse community the group must meet the requirements of ALL of the
characteristics.
1. A discourse community involves people who share the same goals.
“A discourse community has a broadly agreed set of common public goals.”
• Does everyone in the community share at least one goal?
• Are these goals known by all of the members?
• What is the discourse community’s goal?
2. Members of discourse communities communicate with fellow members.
“A discourse community has mechanisms of intercommunication among its
members.”
