Community

I thought an important point that Johns makes is the difference between discourse communities and communities in practice. Johns writes, “In the term discourse communities, the focus is on texts and language, the genres and lexis that enable members throughout the world to maintain their goals, regulate their membership, and communicate efficiently with one another.” She goes on to write, “The term communities of practice refers to genres and lexis, but especially to many practices and values that hold communities together or separate them from one another.” I think that Johns is trying to emphasize the fact that the way one learns the language of their field is through socialization. It is learned through fully immersing oneself in the culture.

I also found the part about the different levels of discourse and their importance in someone’s life. It can be something that is part of everything you do or something you belong to and participate in but not as frequently. As Johns states, “They are, instead, representative of the values, needs and practices of the community that produces them.”
Another interesting point she makes is the sacrifices you have to make when entering into new discourses. Sometimes you have to give up where you came from and change many of your opinions and beliefs which can be challenging to confront.

Johns is challenging the way discourse communities function. I think that she does not completely reject discourses but is raising questions and thoughtful discussion about why these communities seem to be static and resistant to change. I really liked Johns perspective and they way she presented the information. She brought up great points and equally emphasized both sides of the argument and gave room for you to develop your own thoughts and opinions on the ideas of community.

Harris takes a more cynical approach towards the idea of community. He sees a lot of issues with “community”. He does not see it as a completely positive and mentions that there is no negative opposite to community. I think that Harris sees community as something that holds people back and places limits. Communities cause too much conformity and compromises on the work of individuals. Harris feels that we need to incorporate more disciplines together and create something that is less limiting.

While not completely rejecting community, he does propose the idea that there may better ways of doing things.