Text analysis of persuasive business writing: A sociolinguistic perspective
Yu, Ella Ozier
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125936
Description
Title
Text analysis of persuasive business writing: A sociolinguistic perspective
Author(s)
Yu, Ella Ozier
Issue Date
1987
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Aston, Katharine O.
Department of Study
Linguistics
Discipline
Teaching English as a Second Language
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.A.
Degree Level
Thesis
Keyword(s)
Teaching English as Second Language
Cohesion and coherence
Perceived persuasiveness
Text analysis
Discourse analysis model
Language
eng
Abstract
A preliminary study has been undertaken to determine how cohesion and coherence could be evaluated in practical terms. The hypothesis being tested in this study is: positive relationships exist between perceived persuasiveness and the textual level as defined by cohesion and coherence. Thirty compositions of native and nonnative speakers of English were scored for perceived persuasiveness, cohesion, and organizational coherence. The results of this study are intended to further the research in text analysis.
A current issue in sociolinguistics is the development of a model for discourse analysis and the practicality of implementing that model. Models posited by Halliday and Hasan (1976) and William Grabe (1985) identify the levels of representation as surface and deep, an essential aspect in evaluating either written or oral text.
The problem arises, though, in how the model should be implemented. Halliday and Hasan offer specific examples for evaluating cohesion but guidance is not given for coherence, the ideational level, or the interpersonal level of their model. Grabe presents a comprehensive model but nothing is mentioned about the implementation of it. At the present time this area of research is receiving much emphasis, some of which should be given to the practicality of discourse analysis.
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