Gee Literacy Discourse

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In “Literacy, Discourse, and Linguistics,” James Paul Gee explains how “Language” doesn’t directly correspond with “grammar” which most people tend to correlate the two. He claims how “Language” is deeper than that and represents in a way, personality. Depending on where a person grew up will determine the type of language they use and how it is interpreted. Everyone grows up with a set language, but you are able to change it throughout time. Language is a trait that everyone has, it is unique, the type language you use may determine how people perceive you. Gee explains a Discourse as something that identifies you. He describes a Discourse as a kit that instructs you how to speak, act, and write in a certain place. This is a guide that helps people understand what is right and wrong on the topic of language and interpretations. Everyone already has a Discourse and has multiple ones, some people need practice to make theirs better. Gee states that you cannot learn by instruction but by apprenticeship. Apprenticeship is Gee’s term of applying it to a social practice with an interaction with people. Doing this a person would get a first-hand experience and know how to act if …show more content…

Many people are unware that it is even a defined practice and quality we all have. He explained how we all have discourses at a young age but we develop a secondary discourse throughout life. Gee challenged my thoughts and made me think deeper about my own Discourse and how it is used. Gee also challenge what the aspects of my Discourse is and if it is my secondary discourse. Discourses are a way of communication with others, it is a practice that people can develop and excel at. You are unable to learn this quality in a classroom or by an instructor, it is developed and acquired by social interaction. I believe that this is true, it is better to develop a quality by experience rather than try and learn in by