Gee's Blog

Throughout Gee’s article we see the terms “Discourse” and “discourse” used to describe literacy and the way we communicate with one another. When I began reading this I found no difference in these two words, besides the obvious capitalization of one. But after the first page of this article Gee explains the meanings of these two significantly different terms. He uses the following quote to help us better understand Discourse; “A Discourse is a sort of “identity kit” which comes complete with appropriate costume and instructions on how to act, talk, and often write, so as to take on a particular role that others will recognize.”(526). I feel this “identity kit” comparison is so accurate and relatable. It’s referring to the language we use when playing the appropriate social role while trying to portray a certain image. It’s the way one acts in different social situations and being able to play a role accordingly. Gee explains how we all have a Primary Discourse that we are introduced to with our first interactions with family and close loved ones. And after our primary, we have the opportunity to develop Secondary Discourses. We develop this secondary discourse through continuous experiences and actions, like attending school, church, etc.

Gee talks in depth about the term “Discourse” and makes slight mention of “discourse”. In this quote we get a better idea of how the two are related; “ …”discourse” with a little “d” to me, means connected stretches of language that make sense, so “discourse” is a part of “Discourse”(526). From this quote I understand that discourse is simply the communication through speech or writing that has substance and can be understood.

Most people have numerous Discourses, and I myself am one of them. The Discourses I have and the ones I use most include that of a student, daughter, friend, and employee. With each of these Discourses I act slightly different. As a daughter and friend I am completely comfortable, open, and emotional. While I feel similar comfort around my friends and family there is also some differences. I have the utmost respect for my parents and the sometimes the language spoken with my friends wouldn’t necessarily be appropriate around my parents. Topics of discussion may differ between the two as well. But I do feel as though these two make up my Primary Discourse. As a student and employee I am again, respectful. While I express opinions openly to my friends and family, in my school and work environment it’s quite different. At school I’m more reserved and aware. As an employee in sales, I put on a role greeting others and offering assistance. These different Discourses are things we adapt to and gain over time. They become our Secondary Discourses without us even realizing it. I think there are a variety of different Discourses that people can contain. I’ve of course witnessed the Discourses that I already maintain but I have also seen Discourses I do not. I’ve witnessed those of other cultures and descents, athletes, musicians, etc.

In his article Gee describes literacy as being fluent in a Secondary Discourse. I feel this is quite valid on many levels. When I think of literacy I feel it is more than just reading and writing and includes the use of the language we know. No matter what we all have that Primary Discourse that we will always know and will probably never be changed. Being able to interact with others outside of your Primary Discourse really does allow one to be literate. We don’t all possess the same Discourses but being able to adjust to the surrounding social situations and deal accordingly really is important. As complicated as this “literacy” definition may be, I think it’s a very good comparison and is a very interesting point of topic.