Abstract

This introducing chapter describes the Essex School in Discourse Analysis and discusses some of its theoretical premises and previous methodological shortcomings. It is argued that no other discourse analytical approach offers such a wide span of philosophical, theoretical and methodological ideas about the discursive structuration of the social world. However, it is also observed that previous research conducted by the Essex School witnesses a gap between theoretical and methodological takes on discourse. This chapter locates the primary aim of this edited volume in further elaboration and bridging of this gap. This contribution presents the common issues and questions discussed in single contributions, explains the overall structure of the book and provides a short introduction to the book chapters.