From language to discourse: the faint borders among reported speechs

Abstract

This study aims to discuss on specificities that characterize language and discourse according to conceptions proposed by Bakhtin/Volochínov . Through an analysis of the treatment of direct and indirect speech in a non formal grammar (A University Grammar of English; QUIRK, R., GREENBAUM, S., London, 1973) we try to investigate how the borders among these discourses are described. The results of this research lead us to return to concepts placed in Marxism and the philosophy of language (BAKHTIN/VOLOŠINOV) for ratifying their important roles.