One
of the things most needed by those who want to learn about discourse
studies (DS) in general, and about Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) --
which I now prefer to call, more generally, Critical Discourse Studies
(CDS) -- in particular, is an accessible introduction to the field.
Unfortunately, not all students in the world have access to these
books. Also, these books may not answer all the questions you might
have - maybe questions you were afraid to ask because they may seem
silly.
We therefore offer you here, on line, a very first Teach Yourself
guide to Critical Discourse Studies that might meet this demand.
This guide will consist of short modules with general recommendations,
theory fragments, explanations, definitions, bibliographies, links to
other pages and resources, etc. that may be useful for the beginner.
Also, we hope to help you avoid familiar misconceptions about CDS, for
instance the unfortunately widely shared belief that CDS is a method
of analysis or research, instead of a movement of socially committed
scholars in the field of discourse studies, or a socially or political
critical attitude in doing discourse analysis, for instance by focusing
on issues of power abuse or social inequality.
See also the other resources on this website!
Of course it would be very
helpful if you -- both experts and beginners -- would send your
suggestions, questions, etc. for the contents of this guide (see Contact).
so that it becomes a joint and interactive enterprise. Ideal would be
if we could organize our own CDS-pedia for critical discourse studies:
but that is something for the future.
Thank you for using and helping to improve this guide !!!