Discourse Analysis as a Research Methodology for L2 Context

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.