Theory: Occupation Theorists, Experiments and Studies

Question 1

Discourse communities?

Answer 1

Swales

Coined the term ‘discourse communities’ to describe groups of people with a common goal/purpose who need language (as a form of communication).

Question 2

Jargon/identity?

Answer 2

Crystal

Use of jargon is part of an identity at work.

Question 3

Jargon?

Answer 3

Drew and Heritage

Jargon makes the workplace more efficient. For example, kitchens are quick-paced environments and so using jargon will help to ensure the job doesn’t fall behind.

Question 4

Jargon/discourse community?

Answer 4

Splosky

Using jargon shows you are a part of the discourse community - however, not knowing it can make you feel like you do not belong.

Question 5

Plain English Campaign?

Answer 5

A group who campaign against jargon and argue that language which is transparent should be used.

Question 6

Compliments?

Answer 6

Herbert and Straight

Compliments flow down the hierarchy from those in the highest position to those in the lowest.

Question 7

Inferential frameworks?

Answer 7

Drew and Heritage

Occupational language has an inferential framework which is about how members have a shared way of communicating, thinking and behaving. In terms of language, this includes:

• Enforced turn taking
• Conversation which is goal-orientated
• Asymmetry
• Jargon

Question 8

Phatic conversation?

Answer 8

Koester

A key part of workplace discourse is phatic communication - conversations can either be transactional or interactional.

Question 9

Power?

Answer 9

Hornyak

Workplace conversations are usually initiated by the person with the most power.

Question 10

Miscommunication?

Answer 10

Kim and Elder

Miscommunication between Korean and American colleagues was due to people not using agreed language.

Question 11

Conversationalisation?

Answer 11

Fairclough

Conversations at work are becoming more and more informal - this is called conversationalisation.

Question 12

Authority?

Answer 12

Holmes and Stubbe

When someone with power talks to someone with less power, they can decide to downplay or assert their authority.

Question 13

Five bases of power?

Answer 13

French and Raver

There are five bases of power which a person can have:

1. Coercive - the power to force someone to do something. Should they refuse, there would be some form of punishment.
2. Expert - knowledge and information which marks them as someone with power.
3. Legitimate- genuine power because of a position.
4. Reward - the ability to rewards subordinate for complying.
5. Referent - a good rapport or mutual respect with someone makes them want to comply.

Question 14

The IRF Structure

Answer 14

Sinclair and Coulthard

Teachers use the IRF structure in the classroom:

• Initiation - the teacher provokes an answer
• Response - the child responds
• Feedback - the teacher provides feedback