This desk-based study explores, on the basis of a critical realist perspective, the possibility of integrating the concept of learning cultures within the scope of critical discourse analysis. It proposes a theoretical framework to support and guide the use of textual analysis in the study of learning cultures and highlights new opportunities to study technology-enhanced learning communities and communities of practice, leveraging on corpora analysis and metaphor individuation procedures.

This desk-based-study explores, on the basis of a Critical Realist perspective, the possibility to integrate the concept of Learning Cultures within the scope of Critical Discourse Analysis. It proposes a theoretical framework to support and guide the use of textual analysis in the study of Learning Cultures and highlights new opportunities to study technology enhanced learning communities and communities of practice, leveraging on Corpora Analysis and Metaphor Individuation Procedures.