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- The first theorem of Discourses, explains the idea of fluency in a specific Discourse allowing you to assume a certain identity. Lacking fluency in a specific Discourse causes you to be seen as someone who is faking the identity. In order to display full understanding of a Discourse it is essential that the individual acts as themselves. When one does not act as themselves and still attempts to use a Discourse which they are unfamiliar with they tend to use stereotyped traits of that specific Discourse. Additionally social groups with identify with one particular discourse will likely not allow you to share in the “social goods” which come with such an identity. Therefore, it is crucial for one to master at least on “secondary Discourse” in order to assume an identity of their own. The second theorem of Discourses, discusses the idea that an individual’s Primary Discourse cannot be mastered until they have attempted to understand another Discourse. These two theories are controversial because many people do not feel that it is necessary to learn another Discourse in order to understand their primary Discourse.
- Gee states that it is possible Mushfake if you have not fully mastered the concept a specific Discourse. Mushfake means to make due with what you have. The second concept in his theory is that of Metaknowledge. Gee states that Metaknowledge is “liberation and power, because it leads to the ability to manipulate, analyze, to resist while advancing”. The third concept is resistance. When Gee says resistance he is referring to one’s ability to resist the superficial aspects of one’s language which isolate us from others.
- Both Gee and Cuddy discuss entering a new Discourse, where when doing so you can attempt to mimic and act as if you have full fluency in the language even if you don’t. This allows gives you time to develop the traits needed to assimilate into the specific Discourse. This idea is referenced when Cuddy says “Fake it till you become it”. Gee also references the same idea when he says “though true acquisition is probably not possible Mushfake Discourse is possible”.
