Shi-Xu
Zhejiang University
China
Tuesday, August 26
Reconstructing Eastern Paradigms of Discourse Studies
Abstract:
Current scholarship on language and communication has largely been
culturally monological rather than dialogical and diversified. In this
keynote, I respond to this sorry state by arguing for the
reconstruction of Eastern paradigms in favour of multiculturalism in
discourse research.
To that end, I first critique the ethnocentrism of the case of Critical
Discourse Analysis, then point to the cultural realities of the Eastern
discourses, i.e. the discourses of Asia, Africa, Latin America and
other subaltern, Third World societies, and finally demonstrate the
unique intellectual accomplishments of the Eastern world useful for the
study of their discourses. In conclusion, I outline the basic
requirements for the new paradigms and the corresponding action
strategies for the reconstructive work.
See recording of the keynote