What are the key principles of critical discourse analysis?

The key principles of critical discourse analysis (CDA) include:

1. Power and ideology: CDA aims to uncover power relations and ideologies embedded in language and discourse. It examines how language is used to maintain or challenge power structures and dominant ideologies.

2. Social context: CDA emphasizes the importance of analyzing discourse within its social, cultural, and historical context. It recognizes that language is shaped by social factors and that discourse reflects and reproduces social inequalities.

3. Multidisciplinarity: CDA draws on various disciplines, such as linguistics, sociology, and psychology, to analyze discourse. It combines different theoretical frameworks and methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of language and power.

4. Critical reflexivity: CDA encourages researchers to critically reflect on their own positionality and biases. It acknowledges that researchers are not neutral observers and that their own perspectives can influence the analysis of discourse.

5. Emancipatory agenda: CDA aims to contribute to social change and empowerment by exposing and challenging oppressive discourses. It seeks to give voice to marginalized groups and promote social justice through its analysis of language and power.

Overall, the key principles of CDA revolve around understanding the role of language in power relations, analyzing discourse within its social context, adopting a multidisciplinary approach, practicing critical reflexivity, and pursuing an emancipatory agenda.