BOOK REVIEW 2
Introducing Discourse Analysis: A Book Review
The book entitled “Introducing Discourse Analysis” is a well-written and accessible book talking about the basic knowledge of discourse analysis. This book is written by an English educator and Professor of TESOL, David Nunan who has published over one hundred books and articles in the area of curriculum and materials development, classroom-based research, and discourse analysis. Within this review, the reviewer would like to consider to book in the framework of discourse analysis handout for undergraduate students in the English Education.
It is divided into three elements. Firstly, it is the author’ turn to explain his ideas, concepts, and understanding under the issue of discourse analysis. Here, the author provides complete understanding on discourse analysis. Secondly, it is still the author’s turn in providing the examples of what has been addressed in the first part. The examples are taken from various reliable sources. Thirdly, this is the readers’ turn in which they can involve themselves on such projects and activities on discourse analysis. It is explained in four chapters. In each of the chapter, there are some activities, projects and summary on the discussion. The projects are not only focusing on the theory, but it is focusing more on the implementation of the theory. Thus, in this part, the term ‘project’ is suitable instead of using the term ‘task’.
Chapter 1 is named “What is discourse analysis?” using with three paragraphs to begin with. They are used to explain the coherence. The discussion on that is carried deeply with comprehensive elaboration. Within this, Nunan introduces a new term “text-forming devices” that is related to coherence. Other than that, he provides a clear comparison between text and discourse. The comparison is carried out clearly with several definitions pointed out by some experts and is useful for the readers who are new on discourse analysis. Also, he provides accessible definition on spoken versus written language in term of grammar, lexical density, and situation. Latter, the types of discourse are discussed with the examples of each.
Chapter 2 is “Linguistic elements in discourse” which focuses on the deep discussion. It begins with the types of cohesion; reference, substitution, ellipsis, conjunction, and lexical cohesion. You might be wondering why does it do not talk about cohesion definition. The answer is simply that is has been being the focus in the first chapter. Although he does not provide the entire types of cohesion, the discussion on those elements are clear and to the point. The readers will not find the difficulties in understanding the points. It is on the grounds that is explained clearly with examples coming from various sources and the author’s data. Tables and charts are also provided to ensure that readers are correct in understanding the materials.
Chapter 3 is called “Making sense of discourse” focusing more on the role of cohesion in the establishment of coherent discourse. Within this chapter, there are various types of activities to give readers chances to get a deeper understanding on cohesion. Other than that, the terms speech act is also mentioned. This is one of the major topic on discourse analysis. Also, the discussion on background knowledge is also longer with such terms. Every term provided is explained in a brief and simple ways, but it will be well-received by the readers. In this chapter, there are more new terms such as negotiating meaning, face saving, conversation analysis, schema theory, frame theory, and any other. This will be challenging for the newer on discourse analysis. Although it is challenging for some, other will find it difficult to get the points as the result of the lack of explanation.
The fourth chapter is entitled “Developing discourse competence” which pays a greater attention to the acquisition of discourse by first as well as second language speakers. Here, the author does not only explain, but he also gives readers chances to do such projects in the beginning. Within this chapter, there are more activities and projects compared to other chapters. The purpose it to involve readers more. Furthermore, he against the theories made by experts relate to the time of language acquisition. Instead, he elaborates more with the evidence. It shows that the author has more understanding on language acquisition which can be taken as one of the considerations. He proves that the mastery of spoken and written discourse continues well into the secondary school years.
In conclusion, this book is accessible and comprehensive. This one is considered short and clear guides to the key topics under the issue of discourse analysis which gets more attention in the fields. The author mostly refers to Halliday’s book. However, he has his own style in delivering his thoughts. Additional features of the book such as the activity column, summary, project, and further reading part, support making sense of the book. These stuff can be considered as the advantages of the books. On the contrary, some parts need to be explained more. It is on the ground that some elaboration are too short, so the readers won’t catch the major points.
Reviewer: Indah Mutiara
17202241045
PBI UNY 2017
