What is non dominant discourse?

Finding Your Voice: What Non-Dominant Discourse Really Means

Ever feel like you’re speaking a different language than everyone else? It’s not always about actual languages; sometimes, it’s about “discourse.” Now, before your eyes glaze over, think of discourse as more than just chit-chat. It’s about how we communicate, how we act, even how we think within certain groups. Professor James Paul Gee nailed it when he described Discourse (with a capital “D”) as a whole way of life, mixing words, actions, beliefs – the whole shebang. And that’s where the idea of dominant versus non-dominant discourse comes into play.

So, what is non-dominant discourse? Simply put, it’s how certain groups communicate and behave outside the mainstream. It’s the language and customs that don’t necessarily unlock doors to power or wealth on a grand scale. Instead, it’s more about finding your tribe, a place where you truly belong.

Think of it this way: remember those cliques in high school? The “popular” crowd often embodies the dominant discourse – the one that seems to pave the way for success, at least in the school’s social hierarchy. But what about the skaters, the drama club, or the coding geeks? They had their own languages, their own inside jokes, their own ways of doing things. That’s non-dominant discourse in action.

To get a clearer picture, let’s break down the difference between what Gee calls primary and secondary Discourses. Primary Discourses? Those are the ones we pick up at home, the foundation of who we are. Secondary Discourses? Those are the ones we learn out in the world – at school, at work, with friends. Now, dominant Discourses are the secondary ones that open doors – think networking at a fancy business conference. Non-dominant discourses, on the other hand, are more about sticking with your crew, even if it doesn’t lead to a corner office.

What makes a discourse “non-dominant,” then? A few things:

• It’s all about the community: It’s the glue that holds a group together, that shared sense of “us.”
• It might not get you ahead: Mastering the lingo of a niche hobby, while cool, probably won’t land you a promotion.
• It’s got its own rules: Unique language, inside jokes, specific ways of doing things – every group has them.
• It can be a form of rebellion: Sometimes, non-dominant discourse is a way of pushing back against the “norm,” a quiet act of defiance.

Let’s look at some examples:

• The local music scene: The slang, the fashion, the unspoken rules of the mosh pit – it’s a world of its own, but it might not pay the bills.
• An immigrant community clinging to its roots: Speaking their native language, celebrating traditional holidays, keeping customs alive – it’s about holding onto who they are in a new place.
• Online gaming guilds: “Noob,” “GG,” “AFK” – if you don’t know the language, you’re out. It’s a whole culture built around pixels and quests.

So, why should you care about all this? Because understanding non-dominant discourses helps us:

• Be more inclusive: Recognizing that there’s more than one “right” way to do things makes the world a friendlier place.
• Question the status quo: Why are some things considered “normal” anyway?
• Give a voice to the underdogs: Everyone deserves to be heard and understood.
• Communicate better: The more we understand different perspectives, the better we can connect with people.

I’ve seen this in action myself. I once worked on a project in a rural community where the locals had their own distinct dialect and customs. At first, I felt like an outsider, but by taking the time to listen and learn, I was able to build trust and connect with them on a deeper level.

We all juggle different discourses every day. The trick is to be aware of them, to understand how they work, and to be able to switch gears when needed. It’s like having a secret code for every group you’re a part of.

In the end, non-dominant discourses are about finding your voice, building connections, and celebrating the diversity of human experience. So, embrace your tribe, speak your language, and don’t be afraid to be different. The world needs all kinds of voices, not just the loudest ones.