Written Discourse Investigation a Study Based on Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Discourse analysis in terms of both spoken and written language is believed to be helpful for both linguists and language teachers. Written discourse is considered an imperative aspect that needs to be analyzed. Cohesion, coherence, clause relations and text patterns are all parts of written discourse. This study attempts to provide a vehicle for understanding student perceptions about writing and writing instruction through a case study supported by discourse analysis of student talk. The undergraduate students in this study participated in interviews and focus groups about their experiences with writing. The findings reveal deep seeded notions about writing enculturated through their under-graduation. Students were not likely to take ownership of their writing, rather considering it a teacher construct, and could not typically describe the application of writing skills.