After reading the article "Literacy, Discourse, and Linguistics: Introduction and What is Literacy," written by James Paul Gee I have a better understanding of not only literacy and linguistics, but also this new idea of discourse. There are two different discourses, "Discourse" and "discourse." "Discourse," with a capital "D" is said to be, "ways of being in the world; they are forms of life which integrate words, acts, values, beliefs, attitudes, and social identities as well as gestrues, glances, body positions, and clothes" (Gee 526). We look at a "Discourse" kinda like an "identity kit," which teaches us how to act, talk, and write. A few examples of a Discourse would be: a student, teacher, man or woman. It is important to point out that one can not truly be taught a Discourse. At the same time, there are primary Discourses, as well as secondary Discourses. We can look at primary Discourse as the one that we were born with and is our original sense of identity. A secondary Discourse is one that we acquire over time. On the other hand, "discourse," with a lower case "d" to Gee means, "connected stretches of language that make sense, so 'discourse' is part of 'Discourse.'" (526). In other words, they are a group of words that are strung together that make sense.
Throughout my life, I have not only acquired many Discourses, but also witnessed many others. I am a student, friend, daughter, cousin, employee, and even American. It is common for people to act differently based on each Discourse. For example, I would not act the same around my friends, being in the friend role, as I would at work, being in the employee role. The way people use their Discourse is not only the way they talk, but also the way to act and portray themselves. Therefore, at work I am acting more professional and polite, than I may around my friends. At the same time, I wouldn't use profanity at work, while I may use it around my friends.
Lastly, in the article Gee defines literacy as the mastery of or fluent control of secondary Discourse. I agree with Gee about this definition for many reasons. First of all, as we have learned in previous readings, literacy is more than just reading in writing. Instead, it is the deeper understanding of what is being read or written and playing around with what the author is trying to portray to readers. It is important to realize that no matter what primary Discourse one has, it will not change. For example, I am a woman and that will not change. People are able to truly be literate by being able to talk to others and learn from eachother, especially outside ones primary Discourse.
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