Constructing self–other distinction in dialogic contexts

Abstract This paper investigates the construction of self–other distinction in dialogic contexts and illustrates how speakers and writers may employ such a distinction to strengthen their claims and maximize acceptance. A text-based analysis reveals that self–other distinction may be established via three discursive practices — full dissimilation, partial dissimilation, and third-party association. In each practice, speakers may engage in either redressive acts or face aggravating strategies dependent on contextual features relating to the discursive environment, the type of differentiated “others”, and their social distance from the speaker. The analysis further shows that speakers in dialogic contexts may construct self–other distinction relating to favorable argumentative values or attributes to create discursive frameshifts. This, in turn, frames the speakers’ selves in a positive light, legitimating their claims and establishing credibility through positive self-presentation, a reference to authorization and rationalization, or an appeal to conformity.