Several approaches have been applied to the analysis of language at work, among them, the ergologic (LACOSTE, 1998; NOUROUDINE, 2002), the interactional-sociolinguistic (DREW, HERITAGE, 1992), and the genre-based (BAZERMAN; PARADIS, 1991). In this article, focusing on the latter approach, I discuss the reasons and methods for analyzing professional genres. Particularly, I center my attention on the approach which, more recently, has been called critical genre analysis (BHATIA, 2004, 2007, 2009; MOTTA-ROTH, 2008). As part of the theoretical reflection undertaken, I also present an introductory analysis of genres involved in the social practice of public contests for professor positions at Brazilian universities. These examinations not only exemplify a kind of problematic relation between language and work, but they constitute an excellent example to illustrate a Critical Genre Analysis (CGA).
Genre; Professional practice; Critical analysis; Employee selection; Public contest
