Exploring Multimodal and Critical Dimensions in Discourse Analysis: Theoretical Foundations and Methodological Approaches

Abstract

This paper delves into the theoretical underpinnings of discourse analysis, specifically examining its multimodal and critical dimensions. As a starting point for comprehending discourse's multimodal character, it looks at the Hallidayan Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) method and Mediated Discourse Analysis (MDA). While Michael Halliday's SFL places an emphasis on language's social functions and its role in meaning construction across modes, Ron Scollon's MDA places an emphasis on the significance of mediated social action in discourse. Following this, the paper moves on to Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), dissecting two seminal methods: Teun van Dijk's Sociocognitive Approach (SCA) and Ruth Wodak and Martin Reisigl's Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA). By utilising these critical approaches, one can effectively analyse discourse for its power dynamics, ideology, and the way social identities are constructed. This paper seeks to provide a thorough understanding of the ways in which discourse is influenced by and shapes larger social, cognitive, and historical contexts by combining insights from critical theory with those from multimodal approaches.