Inequalities in status: How do they show in discourse and what can be done about them?

Abstract

This paper considers the modelling of aspects of context of situation and aspects of discourse in such a way as to bring out inequalities in status between speakers and the effects of these on the exchanges of which the discourse is composed. The paper is also concerned with ways of playing down/reinforcing such inequalities. First a partial model of context of situation will be introduced designed to distinguish different types of inequality in status, and then a model of exchange structure designed to bring out differences in discourse. It will be shown that these existing models, when applied to naturally occurring discourse, can already to some extent reveal differences of the types under consideration. However the paper will then move on to discuss how the models might be developed further. The work of other researchers who have used the models will be reviewed, notably that of Martin et al. (2009), Zappavigna and Martin (2018), Rose (2014), Muntigl (2004, 2009), O’Donnell (1990,1999). What problems have these researchers encountered, what revisions have they proposed? After discussion of particular problems and possible revisions, the paper will move to more general discussion of what is meant by dynamism in modelling.