Cacophony: Ways to Preserve the Complexity of Subjects in the Research Presentation

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to present and argue for the relevance of a non-linear, interactive presentation of results of a qualitative investigation of language attitudes. After introducing the layout of the project, the conclusions of "traditional" qualitative analyses, i.e. a rhetorical and a discourse analysis are presented. Analyses show that although informants share common traits in both the exposition of their attitudes as well as their arguments for supporting a particular attitude, the overall picture is one of confusion rather than order. It is proposed that the challenge of the project is to find a mode of presentation which does not sweep this confusion under the rug, but rather holds it up as an interesting find in itself. As an attempt to confront this challenge, an interactive online presentation is presented. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs090371