The Myth of the computational cloud: a proposal for analysis with a Discursive approach

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5007/1984-8412.2024.e89900

Keywords:

Cloud computing, Discourse Analysis, Enunciation, Interdiscourse, Sociodiscursive Imaginaries

Abstract

Based on research conducted by Croker (2019) and Herr (2020), in this article we present a proposed analysis of a discourse approach to the emergence and use of the term "cloud computing" and its derivative "saving in the cloud". The study is supported by three concepts covered by the epistemological field of French Discourse Analysis: 1) the will to truth (Foucault, 1999); 2) the interdiscourse (Maingueneau, 2008); and 3) the sociodiscursive imaginaries (Charaudeau, 2017). We proceeded to the discourse analysis of an advertising piece, a Brazilian TV news report about the emergence of cloud computing, and a cartoon focused on the same theme. The results show that the metaphor of the cloud as a place of lightness and superiority, referring to the idea of heaven and paradise, camouflages the reality of cloud computing as a private repository allocated in robust computer infrastructures that increasingly cause dependence and obtain information from users for use in various profitable actions for large technology companies in their virtual environments.

Author Biographies

Michel Montandon de Oliveira, Federal University of São João del-Rei

Doutorando em Estudos de Linguagens pelo Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Minas Gerais, CEFET-MG e servidor da Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, UFSJ. Email: michelmontandon@ufsj.edu.br.

Pollyanna de Mattos Moura Vecchio, Federal Center for Technological Education of Minas Gerais

Doutoranda em Estudos de Linguagens pelo Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Minas Gerais, CEFET-MG e servidora da mesma instituição. 

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Published

2024-07-18

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 1 (2024)

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Article

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