Conversation vs. Discourse — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 26, 2024
A conversation is an informal, often spontaneous exchange of ideas and information between two or more people, characterized by its interactive nature. Discourse, however, encompasses a broader range of verbal expression and communication.
Difference Between Conversation and Discourse
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Conversations are typically informal dialogues that happen in person, over the phone, or through digital platforms. Discourse, on the other hand, refers to written or spoken communication that goes beyond casual exchanges.
While a conversation is characterized by its spontaneous and interactive nature, discourse is often more formal and can be one-sided, as in the case of a lecture where the flow of information is primarily from the speaker to the audience. Discourse analysis, a field of study, examines how language is used in texts and contexts to convey messages, revealing underlying social and cultural implications.
The relationship between conversation and discourse is integral to understanding human communication. Conversations can be seen as the building blocks of discourse, with personal interactions contributing to the larger patterns and structures of communication observed in society. Conversely, societal discourses can influence the topics, language, and nature of everyday conversations.
Both conversation and discourse play crucial roles in shaping individual identities and societal structures. Conversations allow for personal connection and immediate exchange, while discourse helps in forming collective understandings and norms. Understanding the nuances of both can enhance effective communication and critical thinking about how ideas and information are shared and perceived in various contexts.
Comparison Chart
Formality
Informal, casual
Can be formal or informal, often structured
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Interaction
Two-way, interactive
May be one-sided (e.g., lectures, media)
Purpose
Social interaction, information exchange
Constructing knowledge, shaping opinions
Medium
Spoken, digital (e.g., text messaging)
Spoken, written
Analysis
Less commonly analyzed formally
Often analyzed for societal, cultural implications
Compare with Definitions
Conversation
Spontaneous and interactive.
A lively discussion that evolves based on participants' reactions.
Discourse
Structured communication.
A politician's speech on policy reforms.
Conversation
Informal exchange of ideas.
A chat between friends over coffee discussing weekend plans.
Discourse
Analyzed for cultural or social insights.
Studying political speeches to understand ideological frameworks.
Conversation
Focuses on personal connection.
A heart-to-heart talk about life's challenges.
Discourse
Encompasses written and spoken forms.
Academic articles or public debates.
Conversation
Varied in topics and purposes.
Planning a project or sharing news.
Discourse
Used to convey knowledge or opinions.
A lecture on climate change.
Conversation
Can occur in various mediums.
Text messaging or video calls.
Discourse
Influences and reflects societal norms.
Media discourse shaping public opinion on social issues.
Conversation
Conversation is interactive communication between two or more people. The development of conversational skills and etiquette is an important part of socialization.
Discourse
Discourse is a generalization of the notion of a conversation to any form of communication. Discourse is a major topic in social theory, with work spanning fields such as sociology, anthropology, continental philosophy, and discourse analysis.
Conversation
A talk, especially an informal one, between two or more people, in which news and ideas are exchanged
She picked up the phone and held a conversation in French
The two men were deep in conversation
Discourse
Verbal expression in speech or writing
Political discourse.
Conversation
The exchange of thoughts and feelings by means of speech or sign language
Gifted in the art of conversation.
Discourse
Verbal exchange or conversation
Listened to their discourse on foreign policy.
Conversation
An instance of this
Held a long conversation on the subject.
Discourse
A series of connected remarks about a subject.
Conversation
Expression and exchange of individual ideas through talking with other people; also, a set instance or occasion of such talking.
I had an interesting conversation with Nicolas yesterday about how much he's getting paid.
Discourse
A formal, lengthy treatment of a subject, either written or spoken.
Conversation
(fencing) The back-and-forth play of the blades in a bout.
Discourse
(Archaic) The process or power of reasoning.
Conversation
The protocol-based interaction between systems processing a transaction.
Discourse
To speak or write formally and at length.
Conversation
(obsolete) Interaction; commerce or intercourse with other people; dealing with others.
Discourse
To engage in conversation or discussion; converse
“The two men walked around the city and discoursed on its antiquities” (Michael Wood).
Conversation
(archaic) Behaviour, the way one conducts oneself; a person's way of life.
Discourse
To narrate or discuss.
Conversation
(obsolete) Engagement with a specific subject, idea, field of study etc.
Discourse
Verbal exchange, conversation.
Conversation
To engage in conversation (with).
Discourse
(uncountable) Expression in words, either speech or writing.
Conversation
General course of conduct; behavior.
Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel.
Discourse
(countable) A formal lengthy exposition of some subject, either spoken or written.
The preacher gave us a long discourse on duty.
Conversation
Familiar intercourse; intimate fellowship or association; close acquaintance.
I set down, out of long experience in business and much conversation in books, what I thought pertinent to this business.
Discourse
(countable) Any rational expression, reason.
Conversation
Commerce; intercourse; traffic.
All traffic and mutual conversation.
Discourse
An institutionalized way of thinking, a social boundary defining what can be said about a specific topic (after Michel Foucault).
Conversation
Colloquial discourse; oral interchange of sentiments and observations; informal dialogue.
The influence exercised by his [Johnson's] conversation was altogether without a parallel.
Discourse
(obsolete) Dealing; transaction.
Conversation
The use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
Discourse
(intransitive) To engage in discussion or conversation; to converse.
Discourse
(intransitive) To write or speak formally and at length.
Discourse
To debate.
Discourse
To exercise reason; to employ the mind in judging and inferring; to reason.
Discourse
To produce or emit (musical sounds).
Discourse
The power of the mind to reason or infer by running, as it were, from one fact or reason to another, and deriving a conclusion; an exercise or act of this power; reasoning; range of reasoning faculty.
Difficult, strange, and harsh to the discourses of natural reason.
Sure he that made us with such large discourse,Looking before and after, gave us notThat capability and godlike reasonTo fust in us unused.
Discourse
Conversation; talk.
In their discourses after supper.
Filling the head with variety of thoughts, and the mouth with copious discourse.
Discourse
The art and manner of speaking and conversing.
Of excellent breeding, admirable discourse.
Discourse
Consecutive speech, either written or unwritten, on a given line of thought; speech; treatise; dissertation; sermon, etc.; as, the preacher gave us a long discourse on duty.
Discourse
Dealing; transaction.
Good Captain Bessus, tell us the discourseBetwixt Tigranes and our king, and howWe got the victory.
Discourse
To exercise reason; to employ the mind in judging and inferring; to reason.
Discourse
To express one's self in oral discourse; to expose one's views; to talk in a continuous or formal manner; to hold forth; to speak; to converse.
Bid me discourse, I will enchant thine ear.
Discourse
To relate something; to tell.
Discourse
To treat of something in writing and formally.
Discourse
To treat of; to expose or set forth in language.
The life of William Tyndale . . . is sufficiently and at large discoursed in the book.
Discourse
To utter or give forth; to speak.
It will discourse most eloquent music.
Discourse
To talk to; to confer with.
I have spoken to my brother, who is the patron, to discourse the minister about it.
Discourse
Extended verbal expression in speech or writing
Discourse
An address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)
Discourse
An extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic;
The book contains an excellent discussion of modal logic
His treatment of the race question is badly biased
Discourse
To consider or examine in speech or writing;
The article covered all the different aspects of this question
The class discussed Dante's `Inferno'
Discourse
Carry on a conversation
Discourse
Talk or hold forth formally about a topic;
The speaker dissertated about the social politics in 18th century England
Common Curiosities
Can discourse be part of a conversation?
Yes, discourse can occur within conversations, especially when discussions become more structured or aim to convey specific knowledge or viewpoints.
What is the primary difference between conversation and discourse?
The primary difference lies in formality and purpose: conversations are informal and interactive, while discourse is more structured and aimed at knowledge construction or opinion shaping.
How do digital platforms affect conversations and discourse?
Digital platforms can broaden the reach and immediacy of both conversations and discourse, affecting interaction patterns, accessibility, and the speed of information exchange.
How does discourse influence society?
Discourse shapes and reflects societal norms, values, and power structures, influencing public opinion and cultural practices.
Why is conversation important in daily life?
Conversations facilitate social connections, personal expression, and immediate information exchange, essential for relationship building and problem-solving.
How is discourse analyzed?
Discourse is analyzed by examining the language, style, and structure of communication, considering the context to understand societal implications and underlying meanings.
Can a single speaker create a discourse?
Yes, a single speaker can create discourse, especially in formal settings like lectures or written texts, where the communication is structured and directed at an audience.
What role does culture play in shaping discourse?
Culture significantly influences discourse, determining the topics, language, and values that are expressed and deemed important in communication.
How can understanding discourse benefit individuals?
Understanding discourse enhances critical thinking, communication skills, and awareness of societal dynamics, helping individuals navigate and contribute to their communities more effectively.
Is all written communication considered discourse?
While most written communication can be considered as part of discourse, especially if it contributes to broader conversations or knowledge construction, not all casual written exchanges are analyzed as discourse.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
