Discursive/Non-Discursive Rhetoric

Overview

Discursive rhetoric refers to ordered combinations of smaller bits of meaning. This includes spoken conversations or written text (instruction manuals, novels, poems).

Non-discursive rhetoric refers to symbols that occur all at once and are experienced as a whole rather than ordered bits. This tends not to involve language or words but rather other forms of communication (e.g., a static image or dancing).

Contents

• Photo Descriptions

• 3 Examples of Each Term

• References

3 Examples of Each Term

Discursive:

1. Opinion pieces in newspapers

2. Ted Talks

3. Essays/speeches/lectures

Non-Discursive:

1. Instrumental Music

2. Photographs

3. Ceramics

References

• “Discursive.” DISCURSIVE | Definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary, dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/discursive. Accessed 27 Aug. 2023.

• Ian. “How to Write Discursive Text with Examples Included.” YK Education, 18 July 2023, ykeducation.com.au/how-to-write-discursive-text-with-examples-included/#:~:text=Opinion%20pieces%20in%20newspapers%20are,angles%20on%20a%20specific%20idea!

• Non-Discursive Symbolization W - SUNY Press, sunypress.edu/content/download/452068/5499653/version/1/file/9780791476758_imported2_excerpt.pdf. Accessed 29 Aug. 2023.