The Seventh Session of SYFLAT Research Methodology Seminars 25/26:
The Study of Reference in Discourse
Wednesday 10 June, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (Tunis time)
Venue: INSAF-Fem Room, FLSHS
The Program
10:00 am-11:00 am
Prof. Lise Fontaine
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
TITLE: THE STUDY OF REFERENCE IN DISCOURSE AND THE TOOLS TO DO SO
ABSTRACT:
In this talk, we explore the how the study of reference adds an important perspective in understanding discourse. A given referent becomes created by discourse itself and this referent develops virtually throughout the ongoing discourse. Work on reference sometimes suggests that referent identity is to some extent clear or consistent in text. However, group reference in particular poses some challenges since referential boundaries can be fluid and even definite pronouns can lack identifiability. Through the analysis of a case study (Fontaine and Jones 2020), this talk will explore the use of blurred reference in one example of reconciliation discourse in the Canadian context. The narrative under study here gives voice simultaneously to an individual and to a speech fellowship, playing a role in the redress that has an important role to play in reconciliation. Through the lens of systemic functional linguistics (SFL), uses of reference are shown to contribute to a shared feeling while also signaling aspects of the process for the individual. Using the software SACR (Oberle 2018), the reference chains of key participants are analysed within an SFL framework, showing how these participants are represented in view of reconciliation. In presenting this research as a case study, we also explore the opportunities that the methodology offers to discourse analysis.
11:00 am-11:30 am
Coffee Break
11:30 am-12:30 am
Round Table on Research in Progress
- How can I identify a research problem and decide whether to start from theory or real-world observation?
- How can I choose between quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods-and know when inter- or transdisciplinarity strengthens my design?
- How can I use AI and digital tools for analysis ethically without weakening my critical thinking?
- How can I access paywalled sources and balance early data work with literature review ?
