Analyzing Spoken Discourse on Workplace: A Critical Discourse Analysis Using Dell Hymes’ SPEAKING Theory

Abstract

This qualitative content analysis examines workplace spoken discourse through Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Dell Hymes’ SPEAKING theory. The data were taken from the workplace conversations in the 1999 film Office Space, involving Peter, a programmer, and two higher-ranking employees, a vice president and a manager. Data were collected through observation, note-taking, and manual transcription, and analyzed using the eight components of Hymes’ SPEAKING framework. The findings show that the conversations involve questioning, answering, explaining, and attempts to justify actions concerning Peter’s mistake in handling TPS reports. The analysis further reveals that workplace power relations influence the communication process and the achievement of communicative goals.