An Introduction to Discourse Analysis: Theory & Method [Paperback]

James Paul Gee (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0415211867 | ISBN-13: 978-0415211864 | Publication Date: August 19, 1999

Presents a unique intergrated approach of discourse analysis. Assuming no prior knowledge of linguistics Gee presents both a theory of language in use and as a method of research

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A unique volume in the wide range of professional literature on discourse analysis, because while it is written with great professional expertise, it is also a highly enjoyable read that can reach out to a wide audience. From undergraduate students to fellow colleagues and researchers this volume has a lot to offer ... The main merits of the book are its many real life examples and the "hands-on" advice the author gives to discourse analysts ... There is no doubt that [this book] will appear on lists of recommended textbooks worldwide and students and lecturers will use it for their courses.' - The Linguist List

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

James Paul Gee is the Tashia Mordridge Professor of Reading at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. His previous publications include Social Linguistics and Literacies, The Social Mind and The New Work Order (with Glynda Hull and Colin Lankshear). --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Routledge (August 19, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415211867
• ISBN-13: 978-0415211864
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,476,670 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fine introduction, March 12, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: An Introduction to Discourse Analysis: Theory & Method (Paperback)

Reading the book does not require prior knowledge and training in linguistics or social theory because the book was written at the really introductory level. The author has intentionally stayed away from using too many technical jargons and dumping too many names on his readers. Thus, it is actually a very good introduction for students who haven't had prior experiences of reading linguistic stuffs. While the book does not deal with discourse analysis deeply, it certainly can provide an entry point for people who would like to know more about discourse analysis.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Interesting Introduction to Discourse Analysis, March 30, 2008

By 

Adam Pope (West Lafayette, IN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Introduction to Discourse Analysis: Theory and Method (Hardcover)

Having read this book for a graduate seminar in Discourse Analysis I can give Gee credit for producing a very readable book on a subject that has literature that often strays into the hard to read category. The book systematically lays out Gee's version of Discourse Analysis with useful examples and citations of others' work.

The one negative that I ran into consistently is that the book does tend to require the reader to readily absorb a large vocabulary that Gee introduces almost immediately. If you forget some of Gee's terms and phrases, you will find yourself flipping back and forth through pages to see what exactly he means when he says X word or phrase. Considering the relative shortness of the book, this isn't that big of a problem. Also, it is important to realize that Discourse Analysis brings with it by its very nature a large vocabulary--it is something Gee can not help but include in his book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very thorough analysis, but a difficult premise to agree with., November 7, 2010

By 

Segv (California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: An Introduction to Discourse Analysis: Theory and Method, Second edition (Kindle Edition)

This book is a very thorough analysis of the language as used in social contexts, by one of the foremost authors in the area. Gee's key premise is that "discourse" (ie language use) can only be interpreted in a larger context including non-linguisitic communication (body language, etc...) as well as psychological variables such as attitudes and beliefs. He calls this larger grouping a "Discourse" (with a capital "D") and gives a very thorough exposition of the topic.

I don't agree with Gee about how much psychological baggage needs to be included in the picture. But the book is still an excellent read, and very instructive.