Diskursjon

Diskursjon is a term used in some scholarly writings to denote the process by which discourse is produced, negotiated, and analyzed in social interaction. The construction blends the concept of discourse with a suffix that marks an event or action, signaling that discourse is an active practice rather than a static object.

Definition and scope: In practice, diskursjon covers how participants create meaning, manage legitimacy, frame topics, and perform identities through language. It emphasizes the social, situational, and interactive dimensions of discourse, including turn-taking, stance-taking, and rhetorical strategies. The concept can be applied to conversations, public debates, media communications, and online discourse, focusing on how discursive practices shape outcomes and perceptions.

Relation to related fields: Diskursjon overlaps with discourse analysis, sociolinguistics, pragmatics, and conversation analysis. However, proponents argue that it foregrounds the performative and collaborative creation of meaning, whereas some traditional approaches treat discourse as something to be analyzed primarily in text or corpora. Critics may view diskursjon as a needless label unless complemented by clear methodological definitions.

Methodology and use: Researchers exploring diskursjon typically combine qualitative methods such as conversation analysis, ethnography, or critical discourse analysis with contextual examination of social norms and power relations. They examine how topics are initiated, how authority is established, and how participants navigate disagreements within specific settings.

Examples and reception: In studies of online forums or political forums, diskursjon might describe how participants negotiate topic boundaries, cite authorities, and employ persuasive tactics to influence audience perception. Because it is not universally standardized, the term appears mainly in niche discussions and is used to emphasize the dynamic, action-oriented nature of discursive practice.