Analysing Discourse: Textual Analysis for Social Research

by Norman Fairclough

This accessible introduction to text and discourse analysis will help all students and researchers who rely on real language data to get the most out of their resources.

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

288 pages, ebook

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

[lolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Norman my GOAT you are carrying me through my thesis

[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.