Discourse analysis in Latin America: Objects, perspectives and debates

Discourse analysis (DA) in Latin America developed as from the late 1960s, with strong academic and research activity in the continent. The aim of this article is to propose a panoramic view of the field, highlighting its distinctive profile. The article addresses the conditions of its advent, considering both historical circumstances and those regarding the place that Language Sciences dealing with discursiveness had in the university milieu and the positioning of early researchers. Based on a broad survey and privileging the most current expressions, the paper addresses the articulation between Semiology/Semiotics and Discourse Studies as reflected by publications, networks, graduate studies and events. It scrutinizes the range of materials considered and the objects of knowledge that arise, noting their insertion in time; link to global, regional and national issues, and the social practices preferentially considered. Then it looks at the theoretical reference points on which different papers are based and the currents that have become consolidated in Latin America through intensive dialogue with researchers from other countries. Finally, it refers to areas of reflection that give rise to opposing stances, such as the scope that should be given to interdisciplinary work, methodological matters, and what is associated to the term "critical" which arises recurrently in statements by discourse analysts. The article closes by positing the potential and limitations of a Latin American Discourse Analysis.