Discourse A Critical Introduction [Hardcover]

This 2005 book offers a critical approach to discourse, outlining the basic principles, methods and theory of critical discourse analysis.This engaging introduction offers a critical approach to discourse. Organised thematically, it begins by outlining the basic principles, and moves on to examine the methods and theory of CDA (critical discourse analysis). Topics covered include 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 CDA should specifically analyse the *effects* of power, what power does to people, groups and societies, and how this impact comes about.This engaging introduction offers a critical approach to discourse. Organised thematically, it begins by outlining the basic principles, and moves on to examine the methods and theory of CDA (critical discourse analysis). Topics covered include 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 CDA should specifically analyse the *effects* of power, what power does to people, groups and societies, and how this impact comes about.Organized thematically, this introduction outlines the basic principles and moves on to examine the methods and theory of CDA (critical discourse analysis). Topics covered include text and context, language and inequality, choice and determination, history and process, ideology and identity. Jan Blommaert focuses on how language can offer a crucial understanding of wider aspects of power relations, arguing that CDA should specifically analyze the effects of power.Preface; Acknowledgments; 1. Introduction; 2. Critical discourse analysis; 3. Text and context; 4. Language and inequality; 5. Choice and determination; 6. History anlc(