This book explores the problem-oriented interdisciplinary research movement comprised of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Critical Discourse Studies (CDS) for scholars, teachers, and students from many backgrounds. Beginning with a Preface by renowned CDA/CDS scholar Ruth Wodak, it introduces CDA/CDS through examples of what its research looks like, delineates various precursors to CDA/CDS and important foundational concepts and theories, and traces its development from its early years until it became established. After the relationship between CDA and CDS is discussed, seven commonly cited approaches to CDA/CDS are outlined, including their connections and differences, their origins and development, major and associated scholars, research focus(es), and central concepts and distinguishing features. After a summary of critiques of CDA/CDS and responses by CDA/CDS scholars, the book provides an overview of its salient connections to other interdisciplinary areas of scholarship such as critical applied linguistics, education, anthropology/ ethnography, sociolinguistics, gender studies, queer linguistics, pragmatics and ecolinguistics. The final chapter describes how scholars use their knowledge of CDA/CDS to make a difference in the world.

This book is an outstanding resource for the language teacher. It provides a complete curriculum of over 70 activities that can be used to facilitate the effective learning of languages. It covers all learning styles and senses and caters to both right and left-brained users. In addition, it provides suggested adaptations to room size, age, and available resources. The activities are extremely versatile and can be used as either a stand alone textbook or as a supplemental resource in the classroom. Although designed for an ESL environment, the program and its activities can be used in any L2 class. The rave reviews this book has received are a tribute to its remarkable creativity and effectiveness. This book deserves a place in the library of any second language instructor or curriculum developer.