How can you analyze the language use of people with disabilities using discourse analysis techniques?

1 Why discourse analysis?

Discourse analysis can help you explore the linguistic and social aspects of disability, such as how people with disabilities construct their own narratives, how they challenge or reproduce stereotypes, how they negotiate access and inclusion, and how they cope with stigma and discrimination. Discourse analysis can also help you identify the barriers and opportunities that people with disabilities face in different domains of communication, such as education, health, media, and politics.

2 What is discourse?

Discourse is a broad term that refers to any use of language that is meaningful and purposeful in a specific situation. Discourse can be spoken or written, formal or informal, individual or collective, and so on. Discourse is not just a collection of words or sentences, but a way of making sense of the world and influencing others. Discourse can also be multimodal, meaning that it can combine language with other modes of communication, such as images, sounds, gestures, and symbols.

3 How to collect data?

To analyze the language use of people with disabilities, you need to collect data from authentic sources of discourse, such as interviews, focus groups, surveys, observations, recordings, transcripts, documents, websites, social media, and so on. You need to select data that are relevant to your research question and ethical to use. You also need to consider the context and the participants of the discourse, such as their backgrounds, roles, relationships, goals, and expectations.

4 How to analyze data?

To analyze the data, you need to apply a theoretical framework and a methodological approach that suit your research question and your data. There are many different types of discourse analysis, such as conversation analysis, critical discourse analysis, narrative analysis, genre analysis, and so on. Each type has its own assumptions, concepts, tools, and goals. You need to choose a type of discourse analysis that can help you answer your research question and explain your findings.

5 How to report findings?

To report your findings, you need to write a clear and coherent report that presents your data, your analysis, and your interpretation. You need to support your claims with evidence from the data and references from the literature. You also need to acknowledge the limitations and implications of your research. You need to write in a style and format that are appropriate for your audience and your purpose.

6 How to improve skills?

To improve your skills in discourse analysis, you need to practice regularly and critically. You need to read and evaluate examples of discourse analysis from different disciplines and perspectives. You need to seek feedback and guidance from experts and peers. You need to reflect on your own assumptions and biases. You need to challenge yourself with new questions and data. You need to keep learning and updating your knowledge and skills.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?