This volume is intended for students who desire a practical introduction to the use of language in daily and professional life. It may be used either as part of a course or as an aid to independent study. Readers will find that concepts relating to language and discourse are highlighted in the text, explained clearly, illuminated through examples and practice exercises, and defined in the "Glossary/Index" at the back of the book.

Divided into two parts, this text presents an introduction to the elements and practice of discourse analysis in general, as well as an introduction to the actual kinds of discourse crucial to personal and professional life. In Part I, examples and practice exercises are used which make use of a variety of genres common in daily and professional life. Genres included are advertising, biography, travel guide, news clipping, prose fiction, students' writing, telephone conversation, poetry, police-suspect interview, face-to-face conversation, war cry, political speech, medical text, legislation, textbook, discourse of the mentally disturbed, and detective fiction among others. Wherever feasible, authentic examples are used. Part II of the book applies the principles and techniques of Part I to an investigation of discourse in daily use. Chapters include discourse in education, medicine, law, the media, and literature. Not only will these be of particular interest to students planning to enter any of these professions, but will also be of general interest, since all of us encounter them in daily life. As a result, this is a very practical book.

About the Author
Moira Chimombo, Robert L. Roseberry

Reviews

"The Power of Discourse is an excellent book for individuals who not only want to learn to analyse the process of discourse itself but also want to improve their own production in discourse."
-Journal of Humanities

"...the book brings together updated linguistic approaches to discourse analysis. The 'local color' of many of the examples is refreshing for readers used to American professional literature. The book is well written for its basic role as a textbook for high school and university students who require a practical introduction to the use of language in daily and professional life."
-The Phonetician

Book Information
ISBN 9780805826357
Author Moira Chimombo
Format Hardback
Page Count 450
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Inc
Weight(grams) 990g