Discourse Analysis as a Research Methodology for L2 Context

Abstract

Discourse analysis as a qualitative research methodology promotes our understanding ofhow language is used by interlocutors in ongoing talk. Along with the increased use oftechnology and digital media in our lives, the scope of discourse analysis can be expandedfrom face-to face interactions to any instance of online communication. Thus, it is highlylikely to utilize discourse analysis as a research methodology in a wide spectrum ofsecond/foreign language (L2) teaching and learning contexts. In discourse studies, it is acommon practice to inform our analysis by using a specific methodological framework, suchas conversation analysis, interactional sociolinguistics, multimodal analysis, corpuslinguistics, critical discourse analysis, and so on. This chapter presents how I used discourseanalysis utilizing interactional sociolinguistics to examine linguistic politeness in office hourinteractions at two foundational universities in the northwest of Turkey where English is themedium of instruction. Drawing on a reflective and narrative report of my researchexperience, this chapter provides insights into how discourse analysis can be implemented inL2 teaching and learning contexts, what researchers should consider before and during theresearch process, the potential challenges of conducting discourse analysis for similar L2contexts, and suggestions for future endeavors in this line of research.