Critical Discourse Analysis
An approach to analysing discourse that examines how language reflects, maintains, and creates power relationships and social inequalities.
Real World
Linguist Norman Fairclough applied CDA to Margaret Thatcher's speeches, showing how her word choices naturalised free-market ideology and marginalised trade union perspectives as irrational.
Exam Focus
Go beyond identifying a language feature — explain whose power it reinforces and who is disadvantaged; that analysis earns higher AO3 marks.
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