Analysing Discourse

by Norman Fairclough

Analysing Discourse is an accessible introductory textbook for all students and researchers working with real language data. Drawing on a range of social theorists from Bourdieu to Habermas, as well as his own research, Norman Fairclough's book presents a form of language analysis with a consistently social perspective. His approach is illustrated by and investigated through a range of real texts, from written texts, to a TV debate about the monarchy and a radio broadcast about the Lockerbie bombing. The student-friendly book also offers accessible summaries, an appendix of example texts, and a glossary of terms and key theorists.

Genres: Sociology, Linguistics, Nonfiction, Academic, Language, Research Methods

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Burke Scarbrough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairclough is a TERRIBLE writer, and his intertwining of analytic methods and social theory concepts makes it hard to feel that you're hearing nearly enough about either one, but there's minable material in here if you're looking to find the workings of power in texts and conversations (conceived broadly)

[Manuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notably more effective than previous editions. The 'upgrading' of ACD which Fairclough achieves through the incorporation of dialogic and pragmatic approaches to language renders it fairly more plausible for a consistent critique of discursive practices. It affords an empirical path to link individual 'agency' with social 'structure', although it still seems to fall short on its application as well as in the reflexive revisitation of its early works. All in all, a crucial reading for those interested in how society is created and done through communication.

[KD · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of Fairclough's more readable books. Students found the Conclusion the most useful part as he offers clear summaries of all the preceding chapters.

[Sreenidhi Sreekumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book on how to read between the lines using various approaches. It's a must read for social science researchers

[Atimia Atimia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I always feel like half of these ''discourse analysis'' books could be scrapped due to common sense, but then I've had to endure some of it throughout my studies already, so maybe it's just a bit of experience.

Very jargon heavy, though understandable. Some chapters were very interesting, and it wasn't really an effort to get through it.

[Titus Hjelm]

As much I'm influenced by Fairclough's other work, this 'textbook' was nothing short of impenetrable. Disappointing.