When Congress Debates

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Focusing on Congressional debating, Sheckels challenges the notion that such discussions are merely tedious and inconsequential. By applying Mikhail Bakhtin's theories, he introduces a polyphonic paradigm that recognizes the multiplicity of voices within debates, including those of authorities and everyday citizens. This approach highlights the complexity of discourse, featuring elements like double-voiced discourse and carnivalesque energy. Sheckels emphasizes that Congressional debates are dynamic and resist definitive conclusions, offering a fresh perspective on their significance in communication studies.