Variations in Discourse

• Discourse varies from culture to culture. For example, in America, writers traditionally build their arguments on the thesis, which is an assertion of an idea. For example, a thesis might hold that boys are hurt more by parental divorce than girls. The thesis is then given support. The more support given, the more overwhelming the thesis seems. This approach to argumentation is not universal across cultures. In China, people often begin with a proverb or saying and then give support for an argument that isn't usually stated openly, but is strongly implied. Certain forms of language are used in discourse, such as writing, podcasting and creating videos. Literacy is the ability of people to use these forms of language effectively in the dominant discourse.