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 fourth edition of this bestselling textbook has been extensively revised and updated, with new examples and activities. 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 package for students studying discourse analysis. A new companion website provides additional resources for students and instructors.

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.