Discourse plays a central role in shaping and constructing social reality by influencing how individuals interpret, negotiate, and respond to the world around them. Rather than functioning as a neutral medium of communication, discourse actively produces meanings, organizes knowledge, and establishes power relations within society. This paper explores the theoretical foundations of discourse analysis and demonstrates how language contributes to the construction of social reality across various domains, including media, politics, education, and digital communication. Drawing on the works of Foucault, Fairclough, and van Dijk, the study emphasizes the role of ideology and power in shaping dominant discourses and marginalizing alternative voices. Through illustrative examples, such as media framing, political rhetoric, and online communication practices, the paper reveals how discourse not only reflects but also transforms social perceptions and identities. The findings highlight the importance of critical discourse awareness in enabling individuals to recognize manipulation, challenge dominant narratives, and engage more actively in social processes. Ultimately, discourse is presented as a dynamic and transformative force that continuously reconstructs social reality.
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Volume 4 | Issue 2 | Year 2026 | Article Id: LLL-V4I2P101 DOI: https://doi.org/10.59232/LLL-V4I2P101
The Role of Discourse in Constructing Social Reality
Sarjan Sadigova
| Received | Revised | Accepted | Published |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Mar 2026 | 23 Apr 2026 | 19 May 2026 | 20 Jun 2026 |
Citation
Sarjan Sadigova. “The Role of Discourse in Constructing Social Reality.” DS Journal of Language, Linguistics and Literature, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 1-6, 2026.
Abstract
Keywords
Critical discourse, Digital discourse, Discourse analysis, Ideology, Language and power, Social reality.
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