This article analyzes three Portuguese as a Second Language textbooks, using methods of Critical Discourse Analysis centered in the concept of identity: Avenida Brasil 1 (1991), Falar, Ler, Escrever Português (1999), and Ponto de Encontro (2007). The paper discusses (1) the idea of language, knowledge, and language learning present in the text; (2) the power relations at play between speaker-receiver and within the text; and (3) how the texts present identity, culture and society, Brazil and the foreigner. The results show that the three books employ different discursive strategies to engage the reader and to approach issues related to ideology, language, language learning, and culture. They therefore present very different perspectives on the possible discourses in Portuguese as a Second Language.
Discourse Analysis; textbook; Portuguese as a second language; discourse; ideology