This new and engaging introduction offers a critical approach to
discourse, written by an expert uniquely placed to cover the
subject for a variety of disciplines. Organised along thematic
lines, the book begins with an outline of the basic principles,
moving on to examine the methods and theory of CDA (critical
discourse analysis). It covers topics such as 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 critical discourse analysis should
specifically be an analysis of the 'effects' of power, what
power does to people, groups and societies, and how this impact
comes about. Clearly argued, this concise introduction will be
welcomed by students and researchers in a variety of disciplines
involved in the study of discourse, including linguistics,
linguistic anthropology and the sociology of language. 1.
Introduction 2. Critical disc