An Introduction to Discourse Analysis

Discourse analysis considers how language, both spoken and written, enacts social and cultural perspectives and identities. Assuming no prior knowledge of linguistics, An Introduction to Discourse Analysis examines the field and presents James Paul Gee’s unique integrated approach which incorporates both a theory of language-in-use and a method of research.

The third edition of this bestselling text has been extensively revised and updated to include new material such as examples of oral and written language, ranging from group discussions with children, adults, students and teachers to conversations, interviews, academic texts and policy documents.While it can be used as a stand-alone text, this edition has also been fully cross-referenced with the practical companion title How to do Discourse Analysis: a Toolkit and together they provide the complete resource for students with an interest in this area.

Clearly structured and written in a highly accessible style, An Introduction to Discourse Analysis includes perspectives from a variety of approaches and disciplines, including applied linguistics, education, psychology, anthropology and communication to help students and scholars from a range of backgrounds to formulate their own views on discourse and engage in their own discourse analysis.

APPLIED LINGUISTICS/EDUCATION/COMMUNICATION STUDIES/ANTHROPOLOGY

Review

‘This useful book provides an extensive set of tools for systematically analyzing language use.  The book reflects Gee’s broad and deep grasp of relevant fields, drawing on insights not only about the social life of language but also about social theories of late capitalism, contemporary accounts of culture and sociocentric approaches to the mind.　 Earlier editions have proven their usefulness to both beginning and advanced students, and this new edition contains the useful original material together with nice additions like more extensive sample analyses and a primer on analyzing multimodal texts.’

– Stanton Wortham, University of Pennsylvania, USA

‘Since it was first published in 1999, Gee’s Introduction to Discourse Analysis has become a classic in the field. Written in a refreshing and high accessible style and full of interesting, contemporary examples, this book is useful not just for beginners seeking to understand the personal, practical and political implications of how we use language to communicate, but also for seasoned scholars seeking new ideas and inspiration. This new edition is substantially revised and reorganized, making it even more user-friendly, and includes a wealth of new, up-to-date examples and theoretical material, including material on images and multimodal texts.’

– Rodney Jones, City University of Hong Kong

‘Wonderful entrance point, engaging, well-grounded in the literature, and full of analytical insights, this book offers helpful, interesting, and practical examples across different aspects of discourse analysis. Gee’s accessible and engaging writing style and his openness to difference encourages scholars to begin or continue exploring the ways in which discourses operate as practices and activities in the world. This book stimulates various analytical, theoretical, and conceptual conversations among students, researchers, and practitioners.’

– Mirka Koro-Ljungberg, University of Florida, USA

About the Author

James Paul Gee is the Mary Lou Fulton Presidential Professor of Literacy Studies at Arizona State University. His many titles include How to do Discourse Analysis (2010), Social Linguistics and Literacies (third edition 2007) and Situated Language and Learning (2004), all published by Routledge.