Exploring Professional Communication: Language in Action

'This welcome textbook, richly exemplified with analyses of authentic spoken and written data, provides an accessible and thought-provoking contribution to the burgeoning field of professional workplace communication. The competent coverage of core concepts in discourse analysis in the context of topics which range from genre to gender, and identity to leadership, makes it an invaluable resource for advanced students. And as a welcome extra, the imaginative exercises (with 'answers' in the form of useful commentaries) will assuredly motivate students from a range of backgrounds.' Janet Holmes, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand 'Through its refreshingly new 'back to front approach' to the subject this textbook provides an engaging encounter with real life professional communication in a variety of settings. The text is accessible and persuasive in its discussion of key aspects of the subject, thanks also to extensive use of authentic data and exercises: the reader will never be too far from the subtleties and fascination of the discourse of professional practice'.aa Francesca Bargiela, University of Warwick, UK