Discourse Analysis Revision Quiz

Vocabulary flashcards from Discourse Analysis Revision Quiz

Belligerent

Aggressively hostile; having a fighting disposition.

Populist

Simple, emotional, and often negative discourse.

Epistrophe

The repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses.

Hypotaxis

A rhetorical term where Congress shows no interest in doing X, but the speaker feels the American people believe it is essential.

Boilerplate

Standard text used in documents, typically placed at the end.

Asyndeton

The omission or absence of a conjunction between parts of a sentence.

Inclusive language

Referring to people as 'human', 'person' instead of using potentially offensive terms like 'the handicapped'.

Tricolon

A series of three parallel words, phrases, or clauses to make a humorous statement.

Influential power

Power that inclines us to behave in certain ways without obvious force, operating in advertising, culture and media.

Ideologies

Systems of ideas that texts rely upon for their persuasive effect (Fairclough).

Allusion

An expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference.

Hyperbole

Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

Rhetorical question

A question asked in order to create a dramatic effect or to make a point rather than to get an answer.

Antithesis

Direct opposite; a contrast.

Simile

A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid (e.g., as brave as a lion).

Metaphor

A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.

Lead paragraph

The opening paragraph of a press release.

Laundry list

Refers to a long list of policies mentioned such as that in Trump's 2nd inaugural address.

Corporate communications

Combination of informative and promotional goals.

Populist discourse

Focuses on conveying the idea that they are the mouthpiece of the People, often using hyperbole.

Parataxis

The placing of clauses or phrases one after another without coordinating or subordinating connectives.

Polysyndeton

The use of more conjunctions than is necessary or natural.

Hyponym

A word of more specific meaning than a general or superordinate term applicable to it. For example, spoon is a hyponym of cutlery.

Ambiguity

Uncertainty or inexactness of meaning in language.