Stylistics, Literary Criticism, Linguistics and Discourse Analysis

Abstract

There is confusion regarding the differences between linguistics, stylistics, literary criticism, and discourse analysis (DA) among teachers and learners of the English Major due to their overlapping natures, blurred boundaries, and analysis approaches. Therefore, the present study examines the similarities and differences of these four fields to make a clear demarcation between them. A descriptive and comparative approach using exemplary text was used in the study and the stylistics were thoroughly investigated, analyzed and exemplified in small-scale (one phrase, clause or sentence) or wider-scale (a paragraph). Finally, value judgments on the importance and value of the stylistics were furnished. This research enhances the prospects of pedagogical studies of different language learning and teaching of these four fields. This has opened the window for teacher-oriented studies and presented valid and genuine analytical and diagnostic studies of the related issues to enhance the accessibility of a clear distinction of the above stated fields.