Discourse Theory and Practice

Discourse Theory and Practice: A Reader (2001) offers an engaging collection of classic writings and articles that have shaped the field of discourse analysis. Edited by Margaret Wetherell, Stephanie J. A. Taylor, and Simeon J. Yates, this concise volume combines seminal contributions with thoughtful editorial commentaries, inviting students to explore the core epistemological and methodological issues in discourse study. Organized into four distinct sections – Foundations and Building Blocks; Social Interaction; Minds, Selves and Sense-Making; and Culture and Social Relations – the reader guides the inquisitive mind through a curated landscape of influential works. Key selections by notable figures such as Stuart Hall, Jonathan Potter, David Silverman, Erving Goffman, Teun van Dijk, Derek Edwards, and Michael Billig provide clear insights into various theoretical perspectives and analytical practices. Rich in both content and didactic value, Discourse Theory and Practice is an ideal introduction for students across psychology, sociology, linguistics, and cultural studies, offering a solid foundation for further exploration of discourse analysis.