An invitation to keyword studies: Guidance for future research

Abstract

Throughout the book our contributors have demonstrated how “words do things with people” in different discourse communities. Each study in the volume has presented an original case study, and an in-depth analysis of a particular keyword in discourse. Utilising the natural semantic metalanguage as a shared tool for keyword analysis, all contributors have explored discursive logics and values that are guided and governed by such keywords. In this final chapter, we would like to extend an invitation to cultural keyword studies, which provides some guidance for researchers and research students who want to take up the explorative keyword-driven discourse study as showcased in this book. The invitation will at same time reflect on the findings, insights and experience that were gained during the process of analysis and writing.