Chinese discourse studies presents a paradigm construction framework on contemporary Chinese discourse from a multicultural perspective. The book consists of two parts—Part 1 (chapters 1–3): ‘Paradigmatic construction’, and Part 2 (chapters 4–6): ‘Discourses of contemporary China’—apart from the introduction and epilogue. After de-Westernizing discourse analysis while advocating a culturally conscious approach in the introduction, part 1 probes into the theoretical paradigm construction of cultural discourse studies (CDS) in general and Chinese discourse studies (CNDS) in particular. Chapter 1 delineates the definition and methodological framework of CDS. A shared suite of interrelated discursive categories is proposed. As the mediating point of paradigm construction, chapter 2 focuses on forming Eastern discourse studies (EDS) paradigms. The author articulates the causes of and necessities for constructing the EDS, and then follows this with a detailed discussion of the shared conditions, intellectual and cultural resources, as well as common principles and strategies for EDS construction. Chapter 3 moves on to offer a comprehensive and systematic framework for the study of contemporary Chinese discourse. The basic principles, practical foundations, and available intellectual resources of paradigm construction are introduced, along with explanation of four major components of CNDS paradigms, that is, philosophical, theoretical, methodological, and topical components.

Part 2 is devoted to exemplifying how to apply the CNDS framework to the analysis of typical contemporary Chinese discourse. More specifically, proceeding from arguing for the feasibility of assessing contemporary Chinese political discourse (CCPD) from a historical and intercultural perspective in chapter 4, a special effort is made to comprehensively explore Chinese discourse on human rights. It is found that Chinese discourse of human rights is experiencing a historical discursive transformation with reinforced opposition to cultural hegemony. Chapter 5 centers around China's 2005–2010 footwear export disputes with the EU. Taking a cultural–discursive standpoint, this chapter analyses the participants in the discourse as well as their communicative relationship, the discourse medium employed, and the consequences of people's discursive action (inaction), and re-examines these from a historical and intercultural viewpoint. The last chapter looks into the more internally directed discourse of China's urban development discourse. By claiming that discourse plays a central role in city development, the author proffers a cultural discursive perspective for urban studies. Empirical findings on Hangzhou development demonstrate that an increasing number of ordinary and diverse speakers use a variety of channels and mediums in discourse on Hangzhou's urbanization; however, the author also finds that the discourse is lacking a concern for nature and culture.

Following part 2, the epilogue attempts to establish dialogue with Western scholarship, and reiterates the research agenda of CNDS. The author brings the book to a close by inviting more culture-relevant discourse frameworks working together to investigate social issues of Third World countries, enhance academic coexistence, and help achieve cultural diversity, equality, and prosperity.

In sum, Chinese discourse studies is a very enlightening reference for scholars and students who engage in cultural discourse and communication studies.