Two experienced and esteemed ethnographers examine how to use ethnographic methods to conduct research in language and literacy. The authors begin by mapping some of the developments in ethnography across the last century, from colonial interests to contemporary studies of migration, multiculturalism, and global citizenship. The authors then draw from their own field work and that of a novice ethnographer to inform a succession of chapters on research questions, field notes, and analysis. Throughout, the book stresses that doing ethnography involves engagement with public life and cannot be separated out as an academic activity.

Shirley Brice Heath is Professor at Large at Brown University, and Margery Bailey Professor of English and Dramatic Literature and Professor of Linguistics, Emerita, at Stanford University. Brian V. Street is Professor of Language in Education at King's College, University of London. Molly Mills is an undergraduate student at Brown University.