Discourse
Discourse
This engaging 2005 introduction offers a critical approach to discourse, written by an expert uniquely placed to cover the subject for a variety of disciplines. Organised along thematic lines, the book begins with an outline of the basic principles, moving on to examine the methods and theory of CDA (critical discourse analysis). It covers topics such as text and context, language and inequality, choice and determination, history and process, ideology and identity. Blommaert focuses on how language can offer a crucial understanding of wider aspects of power relations, arguing that critical discourse analysis should specifically be an analysis of the 'effects' of power, what power does to people, groups and societies, and how this impact comes about. Clearly argued, this concise introduction will be welcomed by students and researchers in a variety of disciplines involved in the study of discourse, including linguistics, linguistic anthropology and the sociology of language.
- Covers an extensive range of data
- Will appeal and stimulate research across a range of disciplines
- Clearly and concisely written, so accessible to the student market
Reviews & endorsements
"The major contribution of this book is its emphasis on global contexts and their importance for discourse analysis. The author shows in a convincing way that consideration must be given to inequality at a much wider level than only in isolated texts if patterns of inequality are to be fully uncovered and exposed. The particular instances of discourse analysis presented in the book are also exceptionally thorough and well argued. I have no doubt that 'Discourse: A Critical Introduction' will have an excessive impact on the study of discourse, communication and power relations in the future." - Johanna Barodal, University of Bergan, Norway
Product details
March 2005Paperback
9780521535311
314 pages
216 × 140 × 18 mm
0.41kg
Available
Table of Contents
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Critical discourse analysis
- 3. Text and context
- 4. Language and inequality
- 5. Choice and determination
- 6. History and process
- 7. Ideology
- 8. Identity
- 9. Conclusion: discourse and the social sciences
- Notes
- Appendix: English translations of the documents in chapter 5
- Glossary
- References
- Index.
