Digital Discourses Research and Methods

Abstract

Digital discourses, that is, texts and interactions in digitally mediated contexts, provide an additional site for applied linguistics research, presenting opportunities and challenges. This chapter begins by providing an overview of the unique affordances and constraints of digital tools and how such tools affect, among other things, the kinds of meanings we can make and the kinds of relationships we can have. The chapter examines important kinds of digital texts and interactions, having regard to (1) how the study of such digital discourses relates to key questions in applied linguistics and (2) how particular digital discourses can be studied, considering issues related to the collection and analysis of data. Common research methodologies used in this area are illustrated by reference to examples drawn from key studies.