Extended readings

Chapter 8 Multimodal discourse analysis

Bezemer, J. and Jewitt, C. (2010), ‘Multimodal analysis: Key issues’, in L. Litosseliti (ed.),
Research Methods in Linguistics. London: Continuum, pp. 180–97.
This chapter is a very accessible summary of key issues in multimodal analysis. Background
theories are discussed, and advice is given on collecting and analyzing multimodal data. A
study of classroom interaction which drew on video data, observations and interviews is
provided as an example of multimodal analysis.

Iedema, R. (2003), ‘Multimodality, resemiotisation: Extending the analysis of discourse as

multi-semiotic practice’, Visual Communication, 2, 29–58.
In this paper Iedema discusses how texts can be ‘resemiotised’ in the process of creating
new texts; that is, the ways in which texts can start out in one mode, such as a conversation
between a script writer and a director, then become a product in another mode, for example,
a film script, and then a product in yet another mode, a film.

Jewitt, C. (ed.) (2009), The Routledge Handbook of Multimodal Analysis. London:

Routledge.
Chapter 1 of Jewitt’s book provides a background to multimodal analysis while Chapter 2
outlines different approaches to multimodal analysis, specifically the social semiotic
approach to multimodal discourse analysis (as in the work of Kress and van Leeuwen) and
the systemic functional view of multimodal discourse analysis (as in the work of O’Halloran
etc.). Subsequent chapters provide examples of each of these approaches to multimodal dis-
course analysis.

linguistics.paltridge2e.continuumbooks.com
© Brian Paltridge (2012) Discourse Analysis
London: Bloomsbury
Extended Readings

Kress, G. (2010), Multimodality: A Social Semiotic Approach to Contemporary

Communication. London: Routledge.
Kress’s book provides a theoretical framework for analyzing multimodal texts. A large
number of examples, photos and illustrations are provided to demonstrate the points being
made.

Kress, G. and van Leeuwen, T. (2001), Multimodal Discourse: The Modes and Media of
Contemporary Communication. London: Hodder.
In this book, Kress and van Leeuwen discuss the ways in which many texts involve the
interaction of sound, music, vision, colour and language. Key attention is given to the
design, production and distribution of multimodal discourse.

Kress, G. and van Leeuwen, T. (2006), Reading Images: The Grammar of Visual Design
(Second edition). London: Routledge.
In Reading Images, Kress and van Leeuwen present their grammar of visual design. Using
examples such as children’s drawings, textbook illustrations, photo-journalism, fine art and
web pages, they examine the ways in which images communicate meaning.

Machin, D. (2007), Introduction to Multimodal Analysis. London: Hodder Arnold.

Machin’s book is a clear and thorough introduction to multimodal analysis. Tools for analy-
sis are explained and illustrated, often with reference to media texts.

O’Halloran, K. (2011), ‘Multimodal discourse analysis’, in K. Hyland and B. Paltridge (eds),

Continuum Companion to Discourse Analysis. London: Continuum, pp. 120–37.
This chapter provides an overview of the systemic functional view of multimodal discourse
analysis. It includes a sample study as an illustration of this approach to examining multi-
modal discourse.

van Leeuwen, T. (2005), Introducing Social Semiotics. London: Routledge.

In this book van Leeuwen uses texts such as photographs, advertisements, magazine pages
and film stills to examine how different semiotic resources are drawn on to communicate
meaning. The book contains a glossary of terms, exercises and suggestions for further
reading.

linguistics.paltridge2e.continuumbooks.com
© Brian Paltridge (2012) Discourse Analysis
London: Bloomsbury