analysis essay

Discourse Community Analysis essay of the university Cincinnati’s Theta phi alpha

This analysis of Greek life, specifically the University of Cincinnati’s sorority, Theta Phi Alpha, will start by reviewing the concept of discourse communities defined by John Swales. It will then explore the sorority’s specific communication practices through primary sources such as official chapter documents, member quotes, and Theta Phi Alpha’s website. Therefore, with the resources provided, the essay will illustrate how Theta Phi Alpha embodies a discourse community's traits, explicitly highlighting its unique communication methods and specific genres.

A discourse community is a group of individuals who share fundamental values and work toward a common goal. Each discourse community benefits from a developed communication process and specialized jargon tailored to their needs. According to Swales, a discourse community can only exist with six criteria, “There are six criteria for the existence of a discourse community."( Swales 19881) The six include common public goals, mechanisms of communication, use of mechanisms of communication to provide information and feedback, specific genres, specific lexis, and a level of expertise. (Swales, 471-473) 

Phi Kappa Tau alumnus and current National Representative Chapter Service Consultant Josh Hehman states, "Phi Kappa Tau would be considered a discourse community because of their unique goals and methods of communication that the brothers follow. The brothers are expected to meet the same communication expectations. Brothers participate in chapter rituals, event planning, chapter discussions, and philanthropy activities for the SeriousFun camp." Essentially, Hehman argues that Phi Kappa Tau exhibits all six characteristics Swales used to define a discourse community. Although he explicitly refers to the fraternity Phi Kappa Tau, it is essential to note that sororities originated from fraternities and were once referred to as women's fraternities. Therefore, the development of sororities was based on the structures and principles of fraternities. Hehman also states, "Most Greek life organizations follow a similar code and adhere to their values, although the specific values and expectations may differ. Because of this, I would consider Greek life organizations to be discourse communities." Hehman's quote is significant as it provides an internal perspective from a national advisor on why he believes Greek life organizations serve as discourse communities.

Theta Phi Alpha, founded in 1912, is a national women’s social fraternity demonstrating all the characteristics of a discourse community. It is dedicated to cultivating leadership and comradeship and advancing educational, social, and philanthropic service among its members. The common public goal of this community is to deliver the chapter’s values through participating in philanthropic activities. Theta Phi Alpha’s philanthropy is focused on aiding and supporting The Dragonfly Foundation. All community members are aware of this goal and work together through community events, private fundraising, and local gatherings to ensure this goal is fulfilled. Therefore, it aligns with Swales' notion of common public goals. The sorority’s official website states, "To create close comradeship; to advance educational, social and philanthropic interests and leadership training; to encourage spiritual development and adherence to the highest moral standards; and to promote lifelong bonds of friendship" (Our Mission). This shared objective provides a base for the structure and communication of Theta Phi Alpha.

The vocabulary and terminology specific to Greek life are crucial to its identity. While Greek life does not use the Greek language, it honors ancient Greek traditions, such as scholarship, philosophy, and leadership, through Greek letters, symbols, and the alphabet. Sororities and fraternities extensively incorporate Greek symbols and the alphabet. For example, each chapter is named after a unique combination of Greek letters. Theta Phi Alpha, for instance, is a particular arrangement of the eighth (Θ - Theta), twenty-first (Φ - Phi), and first (Α - Alpha) letters of the Greek alphabet. However, the lexis consists of American English terminology but carries different meanings in the Greek life community. For example, meetings are called chapters, meeting records are called minutes, the joining process is called recruitment, the local unit of the (inter) national sorority or fraternity is called a chapter, a legacy refers to a student whose parent or relative is an initiated member, and much more. 

Since the specialized language in Greek life is a massive part of its individuality, it overlaps with other elements of the discourse community, such as the standard expertise. Theta Phi Alpha’s standard of knowledge needed for membership ensures that each potential member is informed of the social and educational values required to join. This community's values include loyalty, justice, honor, truth, faith, and wisdom. Each potential member is informed of these values during recruitment. These six values serve as a guide and direct reflection of the chapter. During the recruitment process, a day is designated for the chapter to share its values with potential new members through visual information presentations and conversations between current and potential members. Thus signifying how values are a vital element of a sorority's identity. They are outlined in Theta Phi Alpha's national creed, a set of beliefs and principles that significantly influence the community's operations. Theta Phi Alpha members memorize and recite the creed at each chapter meeting, as mandated by their bylaws and rituals. These rituals and language form specific genres and specialized lexis, essential for maintaining the community's identity and coherence.

For a discourse community to thrive, it must have a unique communication mechanism that shapes its structure. The use of mechanisms of communication is a vital tool in maintaining the operational integrity and dynamics of a discourse community. Communication within Theta Phi Alpha occurs through various technological and in-person mechanisms. Members of Theta Phi Alpha communicate through an app called GroupMe, where information and details about specific events are recorded in these conversations. Other technical forms of communication include social media apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook. These apps provide a platform for Theta Phi Alpha to share important information about upcoming events and document special moments with their followers. Social media allows people interested in joining a Greek-affiliated group to get a glimpse of Theta Phi Alpha’s values, personality, and experience in hopes of adding another fantastic member to their community. It also aligns with Swale’s concept of the use of mechanisms of communication to provide information and feedback. Furthermore, using social media is a valuable resource for the sorority to communicate with members and potential members while recording engagement activity and other vital information to better the advancement of Theta Phi Alpha.  

 Another significant form of communication between members is in-person meetings, also known as chapters. Chapters are unique to Theta Phi Alpha because they provide a place for the whole group to communicate critical information, share ideas, and vote on matters that are unique to Theta Phi Alpha. It is also a place where all members can unite in a confidential, sacred, and safe environment. Theta Phi Alpha alumni Fabiola Diaz, who also upheld an executive position as Ritual officer, quotes, “I believe Theta Phi Alphas method of communication is unique to them because they communicate all information to the entire chapter and allow the whole chapter to vote on prominent issues that will change the communication of the organization. Other chapters on campus tend to only communicate within their executive board when making important decisions, but Theta Phi Alpha follows strict open communication codes.” 

One of the essential genres used by Theta Phi Alpha is documented notes, also referred to as "minutes." Minutes are written records that capture significant information such as discussion topics, decisions made, future plans, commentary, and links to relevant resources presented during a Theta Phi Alpha chapter meeting. The creation and publication of minutes are among the many responsibilities of the sorority's secretary. This executive position is held by an elected member determined by a majority vote. The secretary must attend all chapter meetings to ensure the chapter operates smoothly and efficiently. Thus, minutes are crucial as they provide accessible information for future reference and learning. Minutes are easily accessible to all current members, making it a convenient and helpful tool. 

 Another necessary genre is the “Consitution and Bylaws, " a private document of Theta Phi Alphas rules and amendments that dictate the overall structure of this social fraternity. Members of Theta Phi Alpha have strict access to these confidential documents, which are also read during the new member initiation process (rituals). The purpose of the verbal recitation of Theta Phi Alpha’s confidential documents is a part of the chapter’s unique ritual and to solidify the new member’s commitment to the sorority. These documents are accessed through the virtual app/website called OurHouse. OurHouse is the highest-rated software in the Greek industry, where documents, information, and records are stored safely and with restricted access. It can also be found in the archival of Theta Phi Alpha’s Ritual book, which contains all the information and instructions on executing chapter rituals. 

Theta Phi Alpha's loyalty to fostering close comradeship and leadership and advancing educational, social, and philanthropic interests proves they are a discourse community through structure, distinctive communication, and shared values. Adhering to Swales' six defining features and utilizing mechanisms facilitates a cohesive community. This analysis demonstrates that Theta Phi Alpha's unique communication patterns reflect their identity as a discourse community.

Sources:

Admin. “A Brief History of Greek Life.” GreekYearbook, 13 Aug. 2019, 

www.greekyearbook.com/a-brief-history-of-greek-life/. 

Ourhouse, www.ourhouse.us/members/user/. Accessed 28 June 2024. 

“Research Guides: ENGL 1010: English Composition 1010: Discourse Communities.” 

Discourse Communities - ENGL 1010: English Composition 1010 - Research Guides at University of Memphis Libraries, libguides.memphis.edu/engl1010/discourse_comm. Accessed 28 June 2024. 

“Research Guides: English Composition 2089: Researching Discourse: Discourse Community

 Analysis/Ethnography.” Discourse Community Analysis/Ethnography - English Composition 2089: Researching Discourse - Research Guides at University of Cincinnati, guides.libraries.uc.edu/2089/discourse-community. Accessed 28 June 2024. 

Swales, John. Genre Analysis: English in Academic and Research Settings. Boston: Cambridge 

UP, 1990.

Theta Phi Alpha, thetaphialpha.org/. Accessed 28 June 2024. 

View of Discourse Community Analysis: The Fuel Rats of Elite Dangerous, 

jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/writing/article/view/39297/29923. Accessed 28 June 2024