If you have opened this article, then you are probably intrigued by its name. Indeed, what is this “cultural discourse”? And more importantly, why should you care?

Well, in simple words, cultural discourse refers to the ways in which people talk about and make sense of their culture, values, traditions, and social norms. It involves the language, ideas, and narratives that shape how we understand the world and our place within it. Cultural discourse is not just about what is said, but also about what is understood, communicated, and practised within a society.

The concept of cultural discourse has its roots in the broader field of discourse analysis, which was significantly developed by French philosopher Michel Foucault. Foucault’s work in the 1970s emphasised how power relations are embedded in language and how discourse shapes our understanding of reality. In cultural sociology, this idea was further explored by scholars like Pierre Bourdieu, who studied how discourse creates and reinforces cultural norms, identities, and social structures. Pro-tip — next time someone says “Bourdieu” nod and say “Oh yes, and Foucault’s works are also very interesting”. 

Cultural discourse is important, because it influences how we perceive ourselves and others, how we interact with different communities, and how social norms and values are maintained or challenged. It affects everything from our daily conversations to media, education, and policy-making. Understanding cultural discourse helps us see the underlying power dynamics and social constructs that shape our worldviews and behaviours.

To illustrate — imagine you arrived in Barcelona (here is the guide for your trip) and after a long day of exploring the city, it is 6 o'clock and you are looking for a place to have dinner, as in your world, 6 o’clock is dinner time. And so you are looking around, and all the places and restaurants are…closed?! Yes, they are closed, and they open from 8 pm till midnight because historically, due to the heat, Spanish people have a habit of very, very, very late dinners. And if you are from, say, the Netherlands, where everyone is eating supper at six o'clock sharp — you are probably shocked. This is a very basic example of what cultural discourse is.

And considering there are dozens of discourses around the world, and Dubai is like the melting pot of all melting pots — what about the cultural discourse in Dubai then? Is there even such a thing? 

Dubai is actually a prime example of how cultural discourse evolves in a cosmopolitan setting. As one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, Dubai is home to people from various nationalities, religions, and ethnic backgrounds. This diversity creates a rich tapestry of cultural discourses where different cultural narratives intersect, blend, and sometimes clash.

In Dubai, the traditional Emirati culture coexists with a multitude of other cultural influences brought in by expatriates from across the globe. This creates a dynamic cultural environment where new discourses are constantly forming. For example, the way people discuss work ethics, gender roles, or social customs in Dubai is influenced by both local traditions and the diverse cultural backgrounds of its residents.

So then, British or Indian Dubai-based people have a distinct habitus (we will get to that in another article, just google for now) and discourse from the UK and India-based people, because they live in a different context. 

This evolving discourse in Dubai reflects the broader shifts in global culture, where local and global influences intertwine to create new forms of social interaction and cultural understanding. The significance of this lies in how it shapes the identity of Dubai as a truly global city, where people from different cultures find common ground while also preserving their unique cultural identities.

Cultural discourse is a powerful force that shapes our perceptions, interactions, and social norms. In a city like Dubai, where cultural diversity is a defining feature, the ongoing dialogue between different cultural discourses creates a unique and vibrant social fabric. 

Where am I going with this? I would say embrace the cultures of each other and don’t be afraid to craft your own narrative by changing and transforming your life, adapting to so many cultures at once. And when someone is behaving in an unusual way, don’t be judgmental. Remember that we all have different cultural discourses and thus different customs. Embrace and explore it! 

And at least, after this article, next time something like the Spanish dinner thing happens — you can stand out as a smart kid and win over people’s hearts with “oh, they just have a distinct cultural discourse.”