ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses some basic insights into the broad area of discourse analysis (DA). Findings on discursive practices can increase public awareness of how gender inequalities, power, or culture and cultural differences are our own contrivances that, as social constructs, are inextricably tied to discourse. The Conversation Analytic Role-Play Method, which is a communication skills training program developed by E. Stokoe, builds on research within a larger framework of discourse studies. DA is really an umbrella term describing a field of study. DA stands for the study of texts and talk, focusing on language-use and on language as a means of social action. Across approaches, scholars have started to focus on language use as only one out of many equally relevant resources of communication. Focus groups and interviews as discourse data include the option of studying interviews and focus groups entirely in their own right.
