Business or Professional? A Context-Based Approach on Discourse and Communication

This article explores the conceptual boundaries and intersections between professional discourse and business discourse, arguing that while business discourse is a subset of professional discourse, technological and social changes increasingly blur the distinction. Through an analysis of key theoretical frameworks and empirical studies, the discussion highlights how workplace communication is deeply context-dependent, shaped by evolving organisational practices and the digitisation of professional life. The article also differentiates between discourse and communication, stressing the role of context, intertextuality, and participant roles in constructing meaning. It concludes by advocating for a flexible, context-aware approach to analysing contemporary professional and business communication practices.