Contemporary analysis of French media discourse: semantic and pragmatic approaches

elective courses

In this class we will deal with language in the context of linguistic research, functions of language, communication, theory of thinking according to Moeschler, and contemporary linguistics (including Auchlin and Moeschler). We will reflect on meaning/meaning (in semantic and pragmatic areas) according to Zufferey and Moeschler. The class, apart from the theoretical part, will take the form of a seminar.

The aim of this class is to demonstrate that discourse theories and their semantic and pragmatic analyses by French scholars are as valid as possible and necessary for understanding the discourse encountered in the media, as well as for analysing the linguistic corpus.

After an introduction to the theory, in this class we will study and describe the vocabulary found in French-language media.

Basic issues:

- the theoretical issues fundamental to the research topic undertaken will be introduced, as well as the theoretical and methodological assumptions used to describe the material collected (e.g. L. Guilbert (1973), J.-F. Sablayrolles (1996, 2000, 2011), S. Mejri (2000, 2005, 2011) and M.-F. Mortureux (1994, 2011);

- the classifications of word-forming processes proposed by French lexicologists will be introduced, e.g. formal neologisms, semantic neologisms, enrichment of the language system by borrowing and various derivations;

- the mechanisms and principles of creating new lexical units, the so-called neosemanticism, in which the main role is played by metaphors and metonymies, as well as hierarchical relations between lexemes, i.e. the phenomenon of hypernymy and hyponymy, and the theory of the prototype will be discussed

- The issue of synonymy, with particular emphasis on synonymy in context, will be examined;

- Research in the field currently developed by S. Moirand (2000, 2007) and M. Veniard (2013) will be presented;

- the problem of dissemination and popularisation of specialised terms by the media and the motivation in the creation of the so-called media neologisms will be discussed;

- the collected material will be analysed (in a workshop format).

Auchlin A. & Moeschler J. (2014, 3ème édition), Introduction à la linguistique contemporaine. Armand Colin, Paris.

Chomsky N. (2011), Réflexions sur le langage. Flammarion, Paris.

Mazière F. (2015 [2005]), L’analyse du discours. PUF, Que sais-je ? Paris.

Saussure F. de (2016 [1916]), Cours de linguistique générale. Payot, Paris.

Riegel M. & Pellat J.-C. & Rioul R. (2014 [1994]), Grammaire méthodique du français. PUF, Paris.

Zufferey S. & Moeschler J. (2012), Initiation à l’étude du sens. Sémantique et pragmatique. Sciences humaines, Auxerre.

Various works, scientific articles and websites

Knowledge: knows and understands

P8S_WG.2 the main trends in the development of scientific or artistic disciplines in which education takes place

P8S_WG.3 methodology of scientific research

Abilities:

P8S_UW.1 use knowledge from different fields of science or arts to creatively identify, formulate and innovatively solve complex problems or perform research tasks, in particular:

- define the aim and subject of scientific research, formulate research hypothesis,

- develop research methods, techniques and tools and apply them creatively

- make conclusions based on research results

P8S_UK.4 participate in scientific discourse

P8S_UK.5 use a foreign language at B2 level of the European Educational Framework to the extent allowing for participation in the international scientific and professional environment

Social competence: is willing to

P8S_KK.3 recognise the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems

P8S_KR.1 maintain and develop the ethos of research and creative communities, including:

- conduct scientific activity in an independent manner

Credit for classes: active participation in classes and prepared oral (or multimedia) presentation on the theories learned during the course

Absences: 2

Pass mark - oral exam (in the re-sit session)