The term discourse community identifies a grouping of people who share a common language, characteristics, and practices as a consequence of their ongoing communication. With respect to writing, the term has been used to identify genres. Discourse communities increase understanding of the varieties of writing done by social groupings such as academic, extracurricular activities, professional, and family/friends.

 

To join the extracurricular activities discourse community one must meet the requirements academically and physically. This includes maintaining a certain grade point average and possessing skills such as flexibility, stunting, and tumbling. Cheerleaders are active, inclined, and cheerful with various facial expressions. Cheerleaders are expected to respect the cheerleading staff and teammates. The common language within this discourse community is English. It is typically formal with coaches and informal with teammates. Special languages such as chants, cheers, and cheerleading terms are also used. i.e, words like pike, toe touch, hurdler, tuck, and hurkie describe cheerleading jumps. Topics such as pre-game meals, pep rallies, games, placement, choreography, attire, and hairstyles are discussed within this discourse community. Genres such as schedules, calendar, and handwritten notes are used within this community. The purpose of writing in this community is to inform. The common goal shared by all members is to develop social skills, gain experience, and convey school spirit while supporting sporting events. The college discourse community is the most difficult community to join compared to family/friends, cheerleading, and journey sales associate.

 

To join the college discourse community one must meet academic requirements (including grades, high school diploma, and placement tests) and apply for admission. The common language within this discourse community is English. With professors and students it is important to use proper grammar, appropriate language (formal), and punctuation. Genres such as Blackboard, Gtrep, textbooks, text messages, emails, essays, speeches, and notes are used within this discourse community. This discourse community differs from the other communities by the conventions that are used. For example, most professors expect no grammatical errors, a certain format, and require a specific page length, and require citing of sources. Students are expected to follow these guidelines in order to receive a passing grade. Students are expected to submit assignments prior to due date. Students are also expected to conduct themselves accordingly and follow school policies. The purpose of writing in this discourse community is to show understanding of a specific topic or subject. The topic ultimately depends on the course and professor. The common goal shared by all members is to obtain a degree and earn qualifications for future jobs.

 

In order to join the professional discourse community one must qualify, apply, be interviewed, and complete orientation. As a Journey’s sales associate our main audiences are our customers, and our main goal is to provide a fun, full-service shopping experience to customers while meeting our individual sales goals. Sales associates are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner because they are in a professional setting. Sales associates must be cheerful, helpful, and formal with everyone (especially customers). The common language within this community discourse is English (with exceptions of Spanish). Within this discourse community it is very important to use appropriate body language, tone, and voice especially towards customers. Genres such as hand written notes, brief PowerPoints, exchange/return receipts, and order forms are used within this discourse community. Topics such as back to school sales, individual sales goal, store sales goal, store policies, and things that need to be done (such as handling shipment, cleaning, and restocking are discussed within this community. The purpose of writing in this community is to inform and improve the shopping experience for customers.

 

To join the family/friends discourse community one typically has to be born or married or a bond is formed creating a friendship. This environment is very relaxed and formal, compared to the formal language and environment in college and at work. For example, when texting a friend one may use text message acronyms such as “bbl (be back later)”, “wya (where you at)”, “hml (hit my line)”, and “ttyl (talk to you later)”. In this discourse community this special language is appropriate. However, when texting a family member one may change the previous text messages to “I’ll be back later”, “Where are you”, “Could you text me”, “Bye, I will talk to you later”. The common language within this community discourse is English. It is typically formal with family (especially elders) and informal with friends. Special languages such as text messages acronyms, lingo, and insiders are used within this discourse community. Topics such as current events, everyday life, accomplishments, and gossip are discussed within this discourse community. Genres such as calls, text messages, occasionally cards, hand written notes, snapchat, Instagram, Twitter and grocery lists are used. Family members are expected to support and love each other. Family members are raised to respect their elder. Friends are expected to be trustworthy and dependable. The purpose of writing in this discourse community is to show importance and maintain relationship. The common goal shared by all members of this group is to form an unbreakable bond.

 

To conclude, writing is essential within discourse communities. The language, conventions, topics, purpose and genre contribute to the effectiveness of our writing in family/friends, academic, professional, and extracurricular activities discourse communities.