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. Each book in the series has a companion website with extra resources for teachers, lecturers and students. Discourse Analysis: * provides a comprehensive overview of the major approaches to and methodological tools used in discourse analysis; * introduces both traditional perspectives on the analysis of texts and talk as well as more recent approaches that address technologically mediated and multimodal discourse; * incorporates practical examples using real data; * includes articles from key authors in the field, including Jan Blommaert, William Labov, Paul Baker, Penelope Brown and Stephen Levinson. Features of the new edition include: new readings featuring cutting-edge research; updated references; revised and refreshed examples; and a wider range of material from social media that includes Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. Written by an experienced teacher and author, this accessible textbook is essential reading for all students of English language and linguistics.

National identity and liberal democracy are recurrent themes in debates about Muslim minorities in the West. Britain is no exception, with politicians responding to claims about Muslims' lack of integration by mandating the promotion of 'fundamental British values' including 'democracy' and 'individual liberty'. This book engages with both these themes, addressing the lack of understanding about the character of British Islam and its relationship to the liberal state. It charts a gradual but decisive shift in British institutions concerned with Islamic education, Islamic law and Muslim representation since Muslims settled in the UK in large numbers in the 1950s. Based on empirical research including interviews undertaken over a ten-year period with Muslims, and analysis of public events organized by Islamic institutions, Stephen Jones challenges claims about the isolation of British Islamic organizations and shows that they have decisively shaped themselves around British public and institutional norms. He argues that this amounts to the building of a distinctive 'British Islam'. Using this narrative, the book makes the case for a variety of liberalism that is open to the expression of religious arguments in public and to associations between religious groups and the state. It also offers a powerful challenge to claims about the insularity of British Islamic institutions by showing how the national orientation of Islam called for by British policymakers is, in fact, already happening.

In his first collection of poetry, Dennis Jones asks the reader to take a few minutes to listen to poems which have emerged from his 'reptilian soul.' Using poetry, Dennis takes the reader through musings, large and small, exposing his world of recollections filled with solemnity and humor. The poetry is so varied that the reader will wonder what could possibly come next. Dennis shares experiences that tap into the reader's soul, driving reflection and recoil. The variety of his experiences has led to intriguing, sometimes startling, insights into his life and the lives of others. The Frog in the Philodendron includes tributes to others, observations about the impact of others and a "tip of the hat" to those life experiences that make each of us unique. "I too," he writes, "am waiting for the One who has promised to play the music that will guide me home."

A fundamental assumption underlying the formation of our most important relationships is that they will persist indefinitely into the future. As an acquaintanceship turns into a friend ship, for example, both members of this newly formed interpersonal bond are likely to expect that their interactions will become increasingly frequent, diverse, and intimate over time. This expectation is perhaps most apparent in romantically involved couples who, through a variety of verbal and symbolic means, make explicit pledges to a long-lasting relationship. In either case, it is clear that these relationships represent something valuable to the individuals in volved and are pursued with great enthusiasm. Virtually all close relationships are formed within the context of mutually rewarding in teractions and/or strong physical attraction between partners. Friends and romantically in volved couples alike are drawn to one another because of similarity of attitudes, interests, and personality and, quite simply, because they enjoy one another's company. This enjoyment, cou pled with the novelty that characterizes new relationships, almost makes the continuation of the relationship a foregone conclusion. As relationships progress, however, their novelty fades, conflicts may arise between partners, negative life events may occur, and the satisfaction that previously characterized the relationships may diminish."

This is a story of ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary things. The reader might see John Thomas' gift of genius. His genius is in using the gift of "seeing things other people don't notice." His goal is to prove the concept that, "nothing happens until someone does something." The equation is simple: Human Intent - Leads to - Action Decision - Modified by - Influencing Factors - Equals - Action Results. Was it true that this process was so ingrained in human behavior that you could actually predict the action results, even into the future? If so, did that say something about God's gift of "free will." John Thomas becomes like other heroes . wealthy, wanted and in love while he relentlessly pursues an impact with intent.