Discourse and Text: Linguistic and Intertextual Analysis within Discourse Analysis

TLDR

Discourse analysis distinguishes two types of textual analysis: linguistic and intertextual. The paper argues for systematic textual analysis within discourse analysis, advocating a multifunctional linguistic theory and presenting theoretical, methodological, historical, and political reasons for broader recognition. Reanalysis of early Discourse & Society issues shows that systematically applying linguistic and intertextual analysis enhances diverse discourse approaches, including those focused on content rather than form. The paper offers theoretical, methodological, historical, and political arguments for wider recognition of textual analysis.

Abstract

This paper is an argument for systematic textual analysis as a part of discourse analysis, and an attempt to stimulate debate on this issue between different approaches to discourse analysis. Two types of textual analysis are distinguished: linguistic analysis and intertextual analysis. On the basis of a reanalysis of data samples in papers published in the first four issues of Discourse & Society, the paper argues that diverse approaches to discourse analysis can be enhanced through systematic use of these two forms of analysis, even those which claim a concern with the content rather than the form of texts. It is suggested that textual analysis needs to be based upon a multifunctional theory of language such as systematic-functional linguistics. Finally, the paper suggests theoretical, methodological, historical and political reasons why textual analysis ought to be more widely recognized as a method in social research.