Discourse Analysis : A Resource Book For Students

Routledge English Language Introductions cover core areas of language study and are one-stop resources for students.

Assuming no prior knowledge, books in the series offer an accessible overview of the subject, with activities, study questions, sample analyses, commentaries and key readings―all in the same volume. The innovative and flexible ‘two dimensional’ stricture is built around four sections―introduction, development, exploration and extension―which offer self-contained stages for study. Each topic can also be read across these sections, enabling the reader to build gradually on the knowledge gained. Each book in the series has a companion website with extra resources for teachers, lecturers and students.

Discourse Analysis:

• Provides an accessible introduction and comprehensive overview of the major approaches and methodological tools used in discourse analysis
• Introduces both traditional perspectives on the analysis of texts and spoken discourse as well as more recent approaches that address technologically mediated and multimodal discourse.
• Incorporates practical examples using real data from conversational interaction, ceremonial vows, dating adverts, social media such as facebook, blogs and msn, films such as When Harry Met Sally, popular music lyrics and newspaper articles on areas as diverse as international political incidents and Lady Gaga.
• Includes key readings from leading scholars in the field, such as James Paul Gee, Michael Halliday, Henry G. Widdowson, Dell Hymes, Harvey Sacks and Ron Scollon
• Offers a wide range of activities, questions and points for further discussion
• Is supported by a companion website featuring extra activities, additional guidance, useful links and multimedia examples including sound files, YouTube and videos.

This title will be essential reading for students undertaking research within the areas of English Language, Linguistics and Applied Linguistics.

'In crystal clear, lively style, this book introduces an astonishing and welcome breadth of key concepts and topics in Discourse Analysis from the foundational to contemporary. Perfectly pitched for the beginning student, in this flawlessly structured text, Rodney Jones provides the reader with key terms, overview of the main approaches, an effective toolkit for independent work, and a great selection of primary readings. All this is illustrated with a wide range of contemporary, multimodal and, yes, fun examples. Adopt this textbook, appropriate Jones’ erudition and elegance, dazzle your students and your course evaluations will soar.' - Adam Jaworski, University of Cardiff, UK

'This is a beautifully engaging text which will no doubt become a primary source for students and teachers of discourse analysis. Written in a highly accessible style with ample additional online content, Jones artfully draws the reader into and across the various sections, enhancing their interest to explore discourse analysis from various angles. The possibility to begin the exploration of approaches from any section in the book will allow its use in the broadest range of classes, leaving the structure of the course to the lecturer and the interests of the students.' - Sigrid Norris, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand  

'Not just a reference book for students, it is also a useful book for university teachers and researchers who are pursuing discourse studies... a fascinating book. It is really worthy of reading and studying." - LINGUIST List