Discourse Quote by Roy Peter Clark
““Whether the vessel is a legal document or a rap song, language is often chosen ot exclude. To use a scholarly phrase, "discourse communities" are often gated,so it's the good writer's job to offer readers a set of keys.””
About This Quote
Source Article: Language and Inclusion, 2019
Notes that language can exclude; writers should provide keys to unlock discourse communities.
In simple terms: Make language accessible.
Key Takeaway
Write inclusively.
Themes
communication
inclusion
accessibility
Mood
reflective
educational
Type
literary
professional
When to use this quote
- education
- media
- public speaking
Key Concepts
sociolinguistics
writing craft
Questions to Reflect On
- How can writers balance expertise and accessibility?
- What strategies open exclusive language?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex ideas; risk of tokenism.
![“That is another theme in the book [Dreams from My Father]. How do we exercise more empathy in our public discourse? How do we get the black to see through the eyes of the white? Or the citizen to see through the eyes of the immigrant? Or the straight to see through the eyes of the gay? That has…” quote by Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00d/barack-obama-17_black_that-is-another-theme-in-the-book-dreams_10185.jpg)
