International Journal of Philology

 The article analyses the existing theories of identity in terms of the research priorities of critical discourse analysis, post-structuralist discourse theory, conversion analysis, narrative analysis and narrative positioning of subjects in interaction. The perspectives of studying identity in the aspect of the conversion-analytical direction ‘mechanism of membership categorisation’ by H. Sachs are identified in comparison with the dramaturgical approach of E. Hoffmann and the theory of role identity. A certain correlation between the categories of identities introduced by H. Sachs and the personal, social and collective types of identity defined in psychological studies is substantiated. A criterion for distinguishing between collective and social identities on the basis of exogenous and endogenous attitudes of identity groups is proposed. It is concluded that the role identity is an operational plan of all other types of identity, the internalisation by a person of various components of his/her identity while playing his/her social roles in different groups. The reproduction of a social role by a communicative role occurs as part of the process of iconic reflection of the structures of social order by the structures of speech exchange. Another vector of identity construction - in the format of dominant discourses, ‘basic’ socio-cultural scenarios - is related to scientific research in the field of critical discourse analysis and the theory of positioning subjects in spoken narratives

identity; types of identity; categories of identities; critical discourse analysis; conversation analysis; narrative positioning of subjects in interaction