Controversies over freedom of expression: Reflections on a discourse studies approach

Controversies over freedom of expression are a re-occurring phenomenon in public arenas in many countries. The controversies are diverse, but have in common that a specific public expression have unleashed critical reactions on its very publication, which again have triggered criticism on the critical reactions. Discourse studies is an obvious approach for studying the controversies since contrary ways of ›knowing‹ what a specific expression is and does, including contrary frameworks for arguing and evaluating, is at the heart of the controversies. However, the controversies also pose challenges for discourse studies. This article offers some reflections on these challenges and points to possible analytical directions; studies of discursive plurality, dialogicality and recontextualization.