Discussion Questions Task 1: Two Discourses Combined. Here is a computer user asking for advice in a supplement of a daily newspaper: I have a computer with an Intel SR440BX motherboard supporting a Celeron 400 processor via a daughter board. The machine is running Windows 98. It has 192MB RAM and a 6GB hard drive. Up until about five weeks ago it was running well. Then it developed this nasty habit of completely freezing when I was on the Internet. It could run for two days and on the third day fail half a dozen times during a session, although at the moment its seizures are becoming more frequent. There were no error messages, nothing. To get some life back into it, I had to do a complete reboot, with the subsequent loss of a phone call. As it seemed to be related to the web, I updated my browser, but, alas, no joy. I changed the modem card, but it still did not fix it. Then it started to freeze offline as well. Ireloaded Windows 98; still the same. Thinking it might be heat-related, I removed both side-covers of the case, checked the processor fan, checked the fan case, but all to no avail. At the moment I am considering consigning it to the scrap heap. (Source: Jacobsen, A., Next supplement, The Sydney Morning Herald, 8 July 2003, p. 8.) Discussion The writer of the above combines at least two different discourses: technical and personal. The first is 'impersonal' and objective, using the denotation of terms to seek help. The second is 'subjective' and colloquial, expressing frustration and introducing slang and humour. See if you can analyse the combined discourse in this way. Does the combination weaken the letter as a plea for technical assistance? Task 2: Kevin Rudd and the language game This is an excerpt from former Prime Minister Rudd's 2008 'Sorry' speech, in which he presented an apology on behalf of the Australian parliament to the 'Stolen Generations of Indigenous Australians: I move that today we honour the indigenous peoples of this land, the oldest continuing cultures in human history. We reflect on their past mistreatment. We reflect in particular on the mistreatment of those who were stolen generations-this blemished chapter in our nation's history. The time has now come for the nation to turn a new page in Australia's history by righting the wrongs of the past and so moving forward with confidence to the future. We apologise for the laws and policies of successive 1 parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians. We apologise especially for the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, their communities and their country. For the pain, suffering and hurt of these stolen generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry. To the mothers and the fathers, the brothers and the sisters, for the breaking up of families and communities, we say sorry. And for the indignity and degradation thus inflicted on a proud people and a proud culture, we say sorry. We the Parliament of Australia respectfully request that this apology be received in the spirit in which it is offered as part of the healing of the nation. For the future we take heart, resolving that this new page in the history of our great continent can now be written. We today take this step by acknowledging the past and laying claim to the future that embraces all Australians. A future where this parliament resolves that the injustices of the past must never, never happen again. A future where we harness the determination of all Australians, indigenous and non-indigenous, to close the gap that lies between us in life expectancy, educational achievement, and economic opportunity. A future where we embrace the possibility of new solutions to enduring problems where old approaches have failed. A future based on mutual respect, mutual resolve and mutual responsibility. A future where all Australians, whatever their origins, are truly equal partners, with equal opportunities and with an equal stake in shaping the next chapter in the history of this great country, Australia. There comes a time in the history of nations when their peoples must become fully reconciled to their past if they are to go forward with confidence to embrace their future. Our nation, Australia, has reached such a time. Let us turn this page together: indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, government and opposition, Commonwealth and state, and write this new chapter in our nation's story together. First Australians, First Freeters, and those who took the oath of allegiance just a few weeks ago. Let us grasp this opportunity to craft a new future for this great land: Australia. (Source: Transcript of speech delivered by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, MP, Apology to Australia's Indigenous peoples, 13 February 2008, at Parliament of Australia, House of Representatives (text author: Parliament of Australia - Department of Parliamentary Services). Discussion Consider the speech as an example of effective persuasion. How does the speaker attempt to win the language game? In particular, look at the various rhetorical and linguistic devices that he uses. How do this help advance the argument he is making, and the emotions he is conveying, in the speech? 2 Task 3: Language and meaning In each of the following sentences substitute another word or phrase for the italicised word: 1. He means more to me than a meal ticket. 2. I mean to qualify for the Olympics in 2012. 3. What do you mean, 'unqualified at present? 4. What actually is the meaning of this painting? 5. The formula H2SO4 means sulphuric acid. 6. My lotto prize means I can tell the boss what to do with his job tomorrow. 7. I mean, why can't you go to the movie with me tonight? 8. Here comes Shari looking angry, and I mean angry.