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Article published In:
Journal of Language and Politics
Vol. 23:4 (2024) ► pp.473–495

New opportunities for discourse studies

Combining discourse theory, critical discourse studies and corpus linguistics

ORCID logo | Maynooth University

This paper proposes a methodological framework that integrates poststructuralist Discourse Theory (DT), Critical Discourse Studies (CDS) and Corpus Linguistics (CL). While previous research has discussed potential compatibility between combinations of these approaches, there have been few attempts to bring them all together into a cohesive research programme. Fostering dialogue between diverse methodological perspectives can facilitate multi-level analysis to capture the complex dynamics of sociopolitical issues. In this vein, the article presents the methodological tree, an analogy used to illustrate how these traditions may come together to complement one another. This foundation lays the groundwork for practical application in discursive analysis, with a flexible analytical structure proposed and examples provided to illustrate its implementation. It is hoped that the article can stimulate further discussion around how DT, CDS and CL can be brought together to harness their strengths.

Keywords: Discourse Theory, critical discourse studies, corpus linguistics, poststructuralism, mixed-methods, discourse
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Towards a methodological tree
    • 2.1The roots: DT as the theoretical foundations
    • 2.2The trunk: CDS as the empirical bridge
    • 2.3The branches: CL as the analytical extension
    • 2.4The tree: A coherent approach to discourse studies
  • 3.Making use of the tree
    • 3.1Phase 1: Data collection
    • 3.2Phase 2: Preliminary analysis
    • 3.3Phase 3: In-depth analysis
    • 3.4Phase 4: Findings
  • 4.Conclusion: An interconnected approach
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • Bibliography
Published online: 1 February 2024
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/jlp.23066.bro
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McEnery, Tony & Gavin Brookes
2024. Corpus linguistics and the social sciences. Corpus Linguistics and Linguistic Theory 0:0 DOI logo

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