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Discourse and Knowledge

Discourse and Knowledge

Discourse and Knowledge

A Sociocognitive Approach
Teun A. van Dijk, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona
July 2014
Hardback
9781107071247

    Most of our knowledge is acquired by discourse, and our ability to produce and understand discourse is impossible without the activation of massive amounts of knowledge of the world. Both 'discourse' and 'knowledge' are fundamental concepts of the humanities and social sciences, but they are often treated separately. Based on a theory of natural knowledge, the book deals with the cognitive processes, social distribution, cultural differences and the linguistic and discursive 'management' of knowledge in interaction and communication in epistemic communities. The first book to adopt a multidisciplinary approach to studying the relationship between the two concepts, Discourse and Knowledge introduces the new field of epistemic discourse analysis. Using a wide range of examples to illustrate the theory, it is essential reading for both students and academics interested in epistemology, linguistics, discourse analysis, cognitive and social psychology and the social sciences.

    • A multidisciplinary study, relevant to students of discourse and knowledge across the humanities and social sciences
    • Introduces the new field of epistemic discourse analysis
    • Accessible to both students and researchers, it contains many examples which illustrate the theory

    Reviews & endorsements

    'A real treasure for anybody interested in the intricate complexities of human knowledge.' Ruth Wodak, Distinguished Professor of Discourse Studies, Lancaster University

    'A wide-ranging study of the mutual dependence of knowledge and discourse, including a valuable review of relevant studies in a variety of disciplines and new insights into how these studies can be brought together.' Wallace Chafe, Research Professor of Linguistics, University of California, Santa Barbara

    See more reviews

    Product details

    July 2014
    Hardback
    9781107071247
    407 pages
    234 × 157 × 25 mm
    0.69kg
    3 b/w illus. 3 tables
    Available

    Table of Contents

    • 1. Introduction
    • 2. Elements of a theory of natural knowledge
    • 3. Discourse, knowledge and cognition
    • 4. Discourse, knowledge and social cognition
    • 5. Discourse, knowledge and society
    • 6. Discourse, knowledge and culture
    • 7. Language, discourse and knowledge
    • 8. Conclusions.