John. M. Swales's Genre Analysis : English in Academic and Research Settings . Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1990. (also found in Writing about Writing pg. 6).
Summary
Swales's book "Genre Analysis: English in Academic and Research Settings" is a comprehensive study on the use of the English language in academic and research contexts. The book explores various genres and their specific conventions, focusing on the language used in different academic disciplines.
Swales begins by defining the concept of genre and its importance in understanding academic writing. He argues that genres are not merely forms of texts, but rather sets of communicative practices that have specific purposes and conventions.
The author then delves into the analysis of different genres commonly found in academic and research settings. These genres include research articles, abstracts, conference papers, and graduate theses, among others. Swales examines the specific linguistic features and rhetorical moves that are typical in each genre, providing examples from various disciplines to illustrate his points.
Furthermore, Swales discusses the concept of discourse communities, emphasizing the role they play in shaping and maintaining specific genres. He argues that genre analysis should take into account the social and cultural aspects that influence the production and reception of academic texts.
Throughout the book, Swales provides a wealth of examples and case studies to support his analysis. He also offers practical advice on how to approach genre analysis and how to apply its findings to improve academic writing skills.
Overall, "Genre Analysis: English in Academic and Research Settings" is a seminal work in the field of genre studies. It offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and analyzing the genres used in academic and research settings, making it a valuable resource for both researchers and students in the field of English language and writing.