How Power is reproduced through Discourse

Remarks from the Thought of Teun Van Dijk

Abstract

This text presents some ideas that arise from a first approach to the thought of the Dutch linguist Teun Van Dijk, one of the founders of the critical discourse analysis. The intention of this work is to show some elements that allow us to understand how power is reproduced through discourse. To reach this objective, first we have to understand what social representations are and to notice how they relate to discourse. It will be shown that a double relation occurs, because, on one hand, we will see that social representations constitute the cognitive aspect that allows the expression and interpretation of the speeches; and, on the other hand, social representations are reproduced by means of speech. Finally, it will be shown that power is reproduced through the speech which implants social representations in people's minds according to certain strategys. The more certain social representations are divulged and perpetuated, the more effective the discourse will be.