Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) stems from a critical theory of language which sees the use of language as a form of social practice. All social practices are tied to specific historical contexts and are the means by which existing social relations are reproduced or contested and different interests are served.

 

CDA can be applied to a wide range of texts and research situations. We use Critical Discourse Analysis when we seek to understand how discourse is implicated in relations of power. 

 

CDA deals with positioning, interests and consequences. It is the questions pertaining to these 3 sections which lead the hypothesis, data collection and data analysis.