Simon Statham

Providing an in-depth analysis of the diverse discourse types which were present in the fight for women’s bodily autonomy in Ireland over 35 years, this book explores discourse from the imposition of the 8th Amendment in 1983 to its repeal in 2018, adopting a mixed-methods critical linguistic approach. By applying models of analysis from across the spectrum of critical linguistics, the book maximises the potential of the analytical models prominent in critical linguistics and CDA, in turn maximising the number of discourse arenas available for investigation.Interdisciplinary both in terms of methodology and data, the chapters analyse a diverse range of societal texts, including traditional political campaign discourse, such as political speeches and media interviews. It also assesses the utilisation of pro-choice voices in contemporary discourse arenas, such as social media and broadcast entertainment. Politico-legal arenas, such as the Abortion Rights Campaign’s submission to the Citizens’ Assembly and parliamentary debates in both jurisdictions in Ireland, are also examined.In addressing the specific complex issue of abortion rights and exposing relevant data to diverse linguistic scrutiny, the book showcases the methodological rigour of critical linguistics in original research. Against the backdrop of ongoing reproductive rights debates in the USA, Europe, and internationally, this book is a comprehensive analysis of the linguistic strategies of a major social event which continues to resonate across the world.

This book provides a comprehensive account of the discipline of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and demonstrates multiple linguistic methods through which it exposes and demystifies ideologies that are present in institutional discourse. The book enables readers to critique the complexities of the relationship between language and power to expose the ideological operation of discourse. Proceeding from a theoretical grounding for CDA in contemporary society, the book comprises analysis of a wide range of discourse examples, including the news media, political speeches, public service leaflets and social media. Readers are guided through a diverse range of models in CDA in order to scrutinise and assess the role of language in society and to consider and challenge the principles of powerful networks, institutions and organisations.

This book provides a comprehensive account of the discipline of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and demonstrates multiple linguistic methods through which it exposes and demystifies ideologies that are present in institutional discourse. The book enables readers to critique the complexities of the relationship between language and power to expose the ideological operation of discourse. Proceeding from a theoretical grounding for CDA in contemporary society, the book comprises analysis of a wide range of discourse examples, including the news media, political speeches, public service leaflets and social media. Readers are guided through a diverse range of models in CDA in order to scrutinise and assess the role of language in society and to consider and challenge the principles of powerful networks, institutions and organisations.

Routledge English Language Introductions cover core areas of language study and are one-stop resources for students.Assuming no prior knowledge, books in the series offer an accessible overview of the subject, with activities, study questions, sample analyses, commentaries and key readings – all in the same volume. The innovative and flexible ‘two-dimensional’ structure is built around four sections – introduction, development, exploration and extension – which offer self-contained stages for study. Each topic can also be read across these sections, enabling the reader to build gradually on the knowledge gained.Language and Power, Second Edition has been completely revised and updated and includes:a comprehensive survey of the ways in which language intersects and connects with the social, cultural and political aspects of power;an introduction to the history of the field, covering all the major approaches, theoretical concepts and methods of analysis in this important and developing area of academic study;coverage of all the ‘traditional’ topics, such as race, gender and institutional power, but also newer topics such as the discourse of post-truth, and the power of social media;readings from works by seminal figures in the field, such as Robin Lakoff, Deborah Cameron and Teun van Dijk;real texts and examples throughout, including advertisements from cosmetics companies; newspaper articles and headlines; websites and internet media; and spoken dialogues such as political and presidential speeches;a supporting companion website that aims to challenge students at a more advanced level and which features extra reading, exercises, follow-up activities, and suggestions for further work.Language and Power will be essential reading for students studying English language or linguistics.

Routledge English Language Introductions cover core areas of language study and are one-stop resources for students.Assuming no prior knowledge, books in the series offer an accessible overview of the subject, with activities, study questions, sample analyses, commentaries and key readings – all in the same volume. The innovative and flexible ‘two-dimensional’ structure is built around four sections – introduction, development, exploration and extension – which offer self-contained stages for study. Each topic can also be read across these sections, enabling the reader to build gradually on the knowledge gained.Language and Power, Second Edition has been completely revised and updated and includes:a comprehensive survey of the ways in which language intersects and connects with the social, cultural and political aspects of power;an introduction to the history of the field, covering all the major approaches, theoretical concepts and methods of analysis in this important and developing area of academic study;coverage of all the ‘traditional’ topics, such as race, gender and institutional power, but also newer topics such as the discourse of post-truth, and the power of social media;readings from works by seminal figures in the field, such as Robin Lakoff, Deborah Cameron and Teun van Dijk;real texts and examples throughout, including advertisements from cosmetics companies; newspaper articles and headlines; websites and internet media; and spoken dialogues such as political and presidential speeches;a supporting companion website that aims to challenge students at a more advanced level and which features extra reading, exercises, follow-up activities, and suggestions for further work.Language and Power will be essential reading for students studying English language or linguistics.