Discourse analysis is an approach to the analysis of written, vocal, or sign language use, or any significant semiotic event. It is a qualitative analysis method used to draw meaning from language in context. Discourse analysis involves the examination of language beyond the sentence to understand how it functions in a social context. The objects of discourse analysis are variously defined in terms of coherent sequences of sentences, propositions, speech, or turns-at-talk. Discourse analysts not only study language use beyond the sentence boundary but also prefer to analyze naturally occurring language use, not invented examples. Discourse analysis is used to conduct research on the use of language in context in a wide variety of social problems (i.e., issues in society that affect individuals negatively).

Discourse analysis can be applied to any instance of written or oral language, as well as non-verbal aspects of communication such as tone and gestures. It is used to investigate the functions of language and how meaning is constructed in different contexts, which include the social, cultural, political, and historical backgrounds of the discourse. Discourse analysis emphasizes the contextual meaning of language and focuses on the social aspects of communication and the ways people use language to achieve specific effects.

Discourse analysis has been taken up in a variety of disciplines in the humanities and social sciences, including linguistics, education, sociology, anthropology, social work, cognitive psychology, social psychology, area studies, cultural studies, international relations, human geography, environmental science, communication studies, biblical studies, public relations, argumentation studies, and translation studies. It helps to understand the function of language and how discourse can be used to foster positive social change.