Critical genre analysis and professional practice: the case of public contests to select professors for Brazilian public universities

Adair Bonini

doi:10.1590/s1518-76322010000300004

Abstract

Several approaches have been applied to the analysis of language at work, among them, the ergologic (LACOSTE, 1998; NOUROUDINE, 2002), the interactional-sociolinguistic (DREW, HERITAGE, 1992), and the genre-based (BAZERMAN; PARADIS, 1991). In this article, focusing on the latter approach, I discuss the reasons and methods for analyzing professional genres. Particularly, I center my attention on the approach which, more recently, has been called critical genre analysis (BHATIA, 2004, 2007, 2009; MOTTA-ROTH, 2008). As part of the theoretical reflection undertaken, I also present an introductory analysis of genres involved in the social practice of public contests for professor positions at Brazilian universities. These examinations not only exemplify a kind of problematic relation between language and work, but they constitute an excellent example to illustrate a Critical Genre Analysis (CGA).

Highlights

INTRODUCTION“Language at work” is already a recognized field of study within the larger area of Applied Linguistics
Several approaches have been applied to the analysis of language at work, among them, the ergologic (LACOSTE, 1998; NOUROUDINE, 2002), the interactional-sociolinguistic (DREW, HERITAGE, 1992), and the genre-based (BAZERMAN; PARADIS, 1991)
The research carried out around this theme focuses, generally, on how language participates in the performance of professional tasks, creating environments, identities, social relations, etc. This is a field that can be approached from many perspectives, one of which is genre analysis

Summary

INTRODUCTION

“Language at work” is already a recognized field of study within the larger area of Applied Linguistics. The research carried out around this theme focuses, generally, on how language participates in the performance of professional tasks, creating environments, identities, social relations, etc. This is a field that can be approached from many perspectives, one of which is genre analysis. To illustrate the critical perspective to the study of genres as professional practice, I report findings from a study on public contests to select professors at Brazilian Federal universities. Professors at public universities, are usually selected via a specific kind of contest which comprises, for example, teaching demonstration and curriculum evaluation

GENRE AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES

THE PUBLIC CONTESTS TO SELECT PROFESSORS FOR BRAZILIAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

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FINAL REMARKS