Discursive Practice in Language Learning and Teaching [Paperback]

Discursive Practice is a theory of the linguistic and socio-cultural characteristics of recurring episodes of face-to-face interaction; episodes that have social and cultural significance to a community of speakers. This book examines the discursive practice approach to language-in-interaction, explicating the consequences of grounding language use and language learning in a view of social realities as discursively constructed, of meanings as negotiated through interaction, of the context-bound nature of discourse, and of discourse as social action. The book also addresses how participants’ abilities in a specific discursive practice may be learned, taught, and assessed.1. What is Discursive Practice?.

2. Foundations for the Study of Practice.

3. Investigating Context.

4. Discursive Resources.

5. Language Learning and Discursive Practice.

6. Contexts of Teaching and Testing.

7. Prospects for Practice

“In this he has succeeded, and for this reason the book would be a valuable addition to the libraries of teachers interested in theoretical concerns that underlie teaching practice.”  (JALT Journal, 1 November 2012) 

“Particularly appreciated may be the care with which he locates this scholarship within broader intellectual histories, outlining major debates in the field, and making suggestions for interested readers about where to go for further study.”  (Applied Linguistics, 30 November 2012)

This book has two major strengths. First, Young argues for the importance of con¬text in the study of language learning and teaching. Second, he provides a useful review of the development of approaches to the understanding of language in context. (Discourse Studies, 2011)

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