In this fully revised and extended edition, Tony Edwards and David Westgate continue to examine methods of investigation for use in classrooms and ways in which researchers and teachers may advance their knowledge of classroom talk. They have taken the opportunity to add material on oracy and the importance of spoken language in the curriculum. All research evidence and bibliographic material has been revised and updated. This book will continue to be an important text for a new generation of students and researchers in language and linguistics, social science and education studies.