Teaching Discourse Analysis: Some Ideas On How To Use Material Coming From Students' Daily Life

Abstract

The implementation of new technologies into teaching methods has led to new ways of learning languages. This paper intends to present some proposals on how material coming from students' daily life can be used for teaching discourse analysis. Discourse analysis is a broad interdisciplinary field which studies the use of language within its social context. Including somewhat diverse theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches, discourse analysis has plenty of utilitarian aspects as a method for teaching languages. It provides new ways of approaching the study of grammar and vocabulary, but also of examining the surrounding reality from a linguistic and social point of view. Material coming from fields that form part of students' daily routine, such as music, films or mobile phones, represents an attractive alternative to traditional texts. Using authentic and familiar texts easily available to students strengthens their interest and motivation. They also offer them the opportunity both to evaluate the information they receive every day through different means and to turn them into more observant citizens. Integrating information and communication technologies into teaching enriches learning and help students become critical with the world around them.