Composition: History & Theory: 1960 - 1969
Kinneavy, James L. “Basic Aims of Discourse”
Description
Kinneavy raises concerns about teaching only one form of discourse in composition classrooms. He explains that “all our efforts as teachers of composition” should be to get the “aim of discourse” across to one’s reader (130, 129). That is, discourse should achieve the purpose for which it is provided to the intended reader (listener, etc.). However, Kinneavy points out the potential of intentional or affective fallacies with any discourse. Beyond such obvious warnings, Kinneavy reviews some systems of discourse such as Aristotle and Aquinas, Morris, Miller, Russell, etc. and he does so to explain how his aim fits into the historical framework of others.
Kinneavy cautions readers about the potential of over-reliance on one aim of discourse, and he notes the sometimes “educationally disastrous” effects of it. Students should have the learning experience of many forms and aims of discourse because without such exposure they may channel their self-expression in negative ways. In essence, Kinneavy believes that focusing too heavily on one aim of discourse, such as persuasion, takes away from the other aims like referential. But perhaps more importantly, he champions exercising various forms so students can see the distinctions and differences between them. Thus, language, according to Kinneavy, “can be used expressively, persuasively, referentially, and esthetically” and since it can be used in such ways, we should (136).
Date of Upload
3 Nov. 2009