Conversation Analysis and Discourse Analysis: A Comparative and Critical Introduction

by Robin Wooffitt

`There is no doubt that conversation analysis (CA) is an impressive and valuable approach to studying discourse, and Wooffitt does an excellent job of demonstrating its analytical sophistication and rigour′ - European Journal of Communication `This is an excellent clear, engaging and authoritative. It treads a path through the many confusions and provides a map of the fields of conversation analysis, discourse analysis, critical discourse analysis and discursive psychology which is better than any currently available. It will be a valuable resource in teaching′ - Professor Jonathan Potter, Loughborough University `An excellent concepts are explained and put into context, and the reader is guided from introductory to advanced levls of discussion. Wooffitt sets out and answers the kinds of questions typically raised by students and others about relations and differences between discourse and conversation analysis… engaging and useful′ - Professor Derek Edwards, Loughborough University This significant text by Robin Wooffitt is the first to systematically examine the complex relationship between conversation analysis and discourse analysis. It comes at a timely despite the close connection between the two forms of analyses in academic research, no other existing text explains these links methodically, comprehensively and for the benefit of undergraduate and master′s students. Key features of this - It takes students from first principles up to more advanced debates, and is therefore suitable for under grad and MA/PhD students. - Careful illustration of methodological approaches through detailed analysis of data. - Clarity of writing; lengthy chapter summaries; further readings; glossary of CA/DA terminology as an appendix. Conversation Analysis and Discourse Analysis shows how the methods and findings of conversation and discourse analysis may inform the development of empirical research questions. It will therefore be an invaluable resource for social science students on courses which require them to undertake practical or empirical exercises.

248 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Mai · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very useful and very British perspective, which is not a bad thing but something readers should keep in mind.

[Bookshire Cat]

Chapters 1 and 2 read for class.

[White2006bird lily]

i take much information from it . It is great.

[Fazhoque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly as it says on the cover: Comparative and Critical. Extremely well synthesised and goes into depth.