Discursive textual analysis: between content analysis and discourse analysis

Abstract

This paper reflects on the in-between spaces in which the Discursive Textual Analysis (DTA) is found in relation to the Content Analysis (CA) and Discourse Analysis (DA). It is a theoretical study with empirical research, structured in five items. It starts upon the distinction of idealists and materialists, to characterize the phases of the theoretical production by Moraes as early and late stages. Then, we conceptualize the term discourse at the DTA, on the idea that there is a twofold meaning: social discourse, and textual discourse. Later, the paper distinguishes amongst discourse study and discourse analysis theorists. Finally, the work presents some aspects of the theoretical and analytical device of DA according to its French branch. It finishes by saying that, between the two poles in which DTA is found, there exist epistemological distinctions.

Keywords: Discursive textual analysis; Discourse analysis; Content analysis.