What is textual analysis?

Textual analysis is the process of examining and interpreting written or spoken texts in order to understand their meaning and significance. It involves analyzing various aspects of a text, such as the language, structure, themes, and underlying messages, in order to uncover the author's intentions or the text's broader cultural and historical context.

Textual analysis can be conducted on a wide range of texts, including literary works, speeches, advertisements, news articles, and social media posts. It allows researchers to gain insight into the social, political, and cultural factors that influence the production and reception of texts.

There are various methods and approaches to conducting textual analysis, including close reading, discourse analysis, thematic analysis, and content analysis. These methods involve examining the text at different levels – from individual words and phrases to broader patterns and themes – in order to derive meaning and understanding.

Textual analysis is a valuable tool in fields such as literature, linguistics, communication studies, media studies, and cultural studies. It can help researchers to critically engage with texts, challenge assumptions, and uncover hidden meanings or biases. Overall, textual analysis allows for a deeper understanding of the ways in which language shapes our world and influences our perceptions.