Methodological proposal to investigate the extra-linguistic elements and the hegemonic impact from Laclau`s perspective

Abstract

This paper proposes some useful methodological strategies to investigate the extralinguistic aspects and the hegemonic impact from Laclau´s Political Theory of Discourse. First, it makes an operational distinction between the linguistic and the non-linguistic level of discourse and identifies internal levels. Then, it proposes a relational articulation between the planes and levels, through the textual footprints of the significant constructions and the analysis of the extra-textual conditions. Finally, it developes an strategy of comparative analysis of discourses based on scalar categories of gradual opposition. From there, it identifies a continuum of relative intensities of sedimentation and reactivation, from different levels. This methodological strategy allows the Political Analyst of Discourse to attribute and impute, in an interpretative way, verbal statements, writings, gestures, sounds, audio-visual images and/or social actions that are concordant, incongruent or contradictory. It also helps to investigate the degree of hegemonic efficacy from different supports.