diskur

Diskur is a term used in several languages, notably Turkish and German, to denote discourse or the manner in which people talk, argue, and construct meaning within a social context. In Turkish and other languages, diskur often refers to public or political discourse, as well as the broader practice of communicating ideas and positions.

In social theory, diskur (or discourse) describes a structured system of statements, practices, and institutions that define what can be said, who may speak, and what counts as knowledge within a particular field or era. Discourses are not merely words; they shape and are shaped by power relations, institutions, and norms. The concept emphasizes that knowledge is produced within social and historical settings and that language and practice reinforce or challenge dominant worldviews.

Key strands in discourse studies include the analysis of discursive practices—how texts and talk circulate, acquire meaning, and influence social action. Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is a prominent approach that investigates how language contributes to social inequality, ideology, and power. Scholars such as Norman Fairclough, Teun A. van Dijk, and Ruth Wodak have shaped CDA, while Jürgen Habermas contributed to theories of rational discourse and communicative action. Michel Foucault’s notion of discursive formations highlights how regimes of knowledge emerge and stabilize through discourse.

Applications of diskur span politics, media studies, science, education, and everyday conversation. The concept provides a framework for examining how language both reflects and shapes social reality, identity, and power.