HOME                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Grecia Mata

 There are several different discourse communities that I belong to, for example to my family, school, and my church. Each are is not the same because they have different goals, values, typical genres, norms for genres, writer's task and roles. Also, there are specialized languages that are used in every discourse community.

In family our typical genres are shopping lists, calendars, notes, and reminders. We use shopping lists so that we do not forget what we need at home. Calendars are used for important dates and doctors appointments. We also use notes to communicate with each other about chores that need to be done or things we have to accomplish. We use writing to communicate because sometimes there is not enough time to talk. At my house almost everyone reads books or the bible almost every day. When I am not at home I have to call my parents to let them know where I am going. In my house our goals are to be helpful around the house and do good in everything. In my house we only talk Spanish and we have to be polite and respectful to everyone. I have to address all adults as "usted" as a way of respect and we are never allowed to swear or be rude at my house or else we are punished. There is not really a way to become a member of this discourse community because almost everyone is a part of a family.

In school our typical genres are study groups, lectures, and special projects. Study groups and lectures are designed to help us learn better and efficiently. We use writing by taking notes of lectures, what we read, and write essays. The goals and values in school are to pass all classes with good grades, study hard, and learn something everyday. The norms for genres are participate in class and study groups. We are also expected to do every assignment and homework. In school we write about many subjects, no matter what class we have in almost all we have to write something. We have to address our instructor's as professors as a way of respect. Anyone in the world who wishes to obtain an education can become a member of this discourse community. For example, when I go to my History class we read two books that are of early history and we have to write notes or do short critical reviews that are one page in length.

In my church our typical genres are sing hymns, read scriptures, and listen to sermons or teachings. Our goal at church is to have and maintain a relationship with God. Our task at church is to communicate with God as if we were to communicate with a friend. The norms for genres are to worship and acknowledge God. In my church we use polite words to communicate with other members, we also greet each other by saying "Praise the Lord" and to say goodbye we say "God Bless you". Anyone who wishes to connect with God can become a member by getting baptized and being faithful to the church. The type of communication that we use is oral but we also meditate and worship God in a low voice. The communication we use is only between God and the person. There is really not a specialized language but when we praise God we address him differently than anyone in this world. In church we are taught to call Him "The Almighty", "The King", or "Jesus Christ". We normally do not use writing although sometimes we might take notes about the sermons or highlight important verses in the bible. We also use books that are inspired by the bible to understand and learn more.

Everyone belongs to a discourse communities no matter how different they might be. I have described three of the many discourse communities I belong to like church, my family and school.