Discourse analysis as a research methodology for l2 context
Citation
Çiftçi H. (2022). Discourse analysis as a research methodology for L2 context. in Wei, L.(Ed.), Research methods in language teaching and learning (132 -146. pp.). Wiley Blackwell.Abstract
Discourse analysis as a qualitative research methodology promotes our understanding of
how language is used by interlocutors in ongoing talk. Along with the increased use of
technology and digital media in our lives, the scope of discourse analysis can be expanded
from face-to face interactions to any instance of online communication. Thus, it is highly
likely to utilize discourse analysis as a research methodology in a wide spectrum of
second/foreign language (L2) teaching and learning contexts. In discourse studies, it is a
common practice to inform our analysis by using a specific methodological framework, such
as conversation analysis, interactional sociolinguistics, multimodal analysis, corpus
linguistics, critical discourse analysis, and so on. This chapter presents how I used discourse
analysis utilizing interactional sociolinguistics to examine linguistic politeness in office hour
interactions at two foundational universities in the northwest of Turkey where English is the
medium of instruction. Drawing on a reflective and narrative report of my research
experience, this chapter provides insights into how discourse analysis can be implemented in
L2 teaching and learning contexts, what researchers should consider before and during the
research process, the potential challenges of conducting discourse analysis for similar L2
contexts, and suggestions for future endeavors in this line of research.