Diskursschranken im interkulturellen Gespräch

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Young German and Egyptian adults engage in discussions about the Muhammad cartoons controversy, aiming for a consensual intercultural dialogue. This study examines how their conversations unfold, focusing on how participants navigate cultural borders and the impact on their communication. It questions whether reductionist dichotomies, often seen in public debates about 'the western' and 'the islamic' worlds, can be resolved. Through a linguistic critical discourse analysis of group discussions in German, the study reveals surprising outcomes: despite efforts for consensus, participants often find themselves in a discourse dominated by intercultural competition, complicating factual debate. Qualitative sequential analyses explore the reasons behind this dynamic and how participants manage to overcome discursive barriers. Contrary to expectations, strategies rooted in linguistic courtesy and face-work prove counterproductive. However, shared humor effectively dissolves barriers. This research aligns with the Oldenburg school of critical discourse analysis, integrating knowledge-based and interactional analytical perspectives. It theoretically and empirically explores the interplay between semantic-epistemic and pragmatic patterns within the context of critical discourse analysis.