Discourse Analysis

Discourse Analysis: The Questions Discourse Analysts Ask and How They Answer Them is the first introductory text organized around the kinds of questions discourse analysts ask and how they are systematically addressed by analysts of different empirical persuasions, thereby cultivating a principled understanding of the interdisciplinary field of discourse analysis. The text promotes synthesis, integration, and a multidimensional understanding of the core issues that preoccupy discourse analysts. (1) How is discourse structured? (2) How are social actions accomplished in discourse? (3) How are identities negotiated in discourse? (4) How are ideologies constructed in discourse? The answer to each question is illustrated with transcripts and analyses of actual discourse as exemplified in key studies in the field. With a range of other features such as boxed definitions, study questions, and analytical tasks, this guide to the complex world of discourse is an ideal resource for courses on discourse analysis.

"Waring's book comes close to telling 'everything you need to know about discourse analysis.' It is remarkable not only for its breadth of coverage, but for the ecumenical spirit in which diverse purposes and methods for discourse analysis are reviewed, in clear language, with accuracy and fairness. This wise and even handed overview will be of use to beginners and experts alike."– Frederick Erickson, University of California, Los Angeles, USA"Among many introductions to the study of discourse, Hansung Waring's book stands out by focusing not on theories, methods or approaches but on the type of general questions discourse analysts ask. Across theories, methods and approaches, and based on many years of teaching discourse and conversation analysis, she thus offers an excellent introduction to the field, with many examples of discourse and methods of their analysis."– Teun A. van Dijk, Pompeu Fabra University, Spain"Discourse analysis is a notoriously complex interdisciplinary terrain to capture. Hansun Zhang Waring negotiates that terrain deftly to provide a work that is clear, engaging and comprehensive. She has done the community a service with the systematic scope of her coverage and the effective way it is organized around questions and answers. It is a book that students and teachers have been crying out for – there is nothing that covers the field in quite this way."– Jonathan Potter, Rutgers University, USA

Hansun Zhang Waring is Associate Professor of Linguistics and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, USA. She is founder of The Language and Social Interaction Working Group (LANSI).