Discourse Communities

Discourse Communities I belong to:

NMSU, Specific Classes, Sociology Major, BCFD, IAFF Local 244, Workout/Fitness Group, Poker Group, D&D Group, Cadet Class, Acupuncture/DOM interest group, my Specific Friends group, and probably others I can't even think of.

For my Sociology Major group I play the role of student.  We use language exclusively and inclusively through the use of discussions that reference theories and concepts only used in sociology.  By using terms outsiders would not know we strengthen our sense of belonging while prohibiting others from understanding our group.  This builds community.  The commonplaces we use are two or three word phrases that connote all kinds of meaning to those familiar with the theories and concepts.

For my BCFD community I play the role of paramedic/firefighter.  We use language to strongly reinforce our group identity through the use of firefighting and EMS terminology that most others don't understand.  Often entire conversations can take place using only our specialized terms and abbreviations, almost as though we were speaking in code.  We also use symbols such as axes, crosses, and fire apparatus to connote our differences from the general public.    Other commonplaces include the uniforms we wear, the stickers we put on our cars, and the haircuts we are forced to wear to denote our status as part of the community.  

In my poker community I play the role of someone willing to spend $20 a week, plus frequent provider of chips, dip and beer.  We use language about the game (game names, slang names for hands, names of game implements) and about our specific group (nicknames, slang phases for our meeting times, children, etc.) to reinforce our feelings of inclusiveness.  However, there is very little use of language to exclude, as any adult who asks can receive an explanation.  Commonplace symbols we use constantly are the cards, the chips, the green felt table, and the bar-b-Q grill.