The Dimension of Discourse in English Class of Higher Education

Abstract

The research aims to describe the dimension of discourse and identity of English lecturers. This research is conducted with a qualitative approach and content analysis method. The data source is recordings of classroom interaction of English lecturers. The data are analyzed using the classroom discourse framework of Betsy Rhymes which focuses on dimensions, namely social context, interactional context, and individual agency. These dimensions are analyzed through the source of turn takings, contextualization clues, narration, and framing. The result shows that in social context, the lecturers negotiate the interaction by giving more turns to the students, applying all the contextualization clues to accompany the utterance and supporting the interaction with narration and frame all to support students’ contribution. In interactional context, the lecturers include the experience of the students in all sources and use vernacular language. In individual agency, the lecturers include all students in a challenging and inclusive activity. The conclusion of the research is that the interaction in the classroom discourse dimension is influenced by the standard of education and the condition of students who lack confidence to speak English as the social context which influences the use of language in the class. However, the personal control of the lecturers to achieve the standard of education makes him/her manage the language use to provide context of interaction in order to make the students contribute to the interaction.