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- Title
LET~ PATTERNS IN MA THESES IN LINGUISTICS.
- Authors
Burneikaitė, Nida
- Abstract
The imperative clauses with Let∼ are common in English academic discourse and are used to create interaction between the speaker/writer and the listener/reader. Let us / Let's is used to direct a collective focus of attention on the part of the speaker/writer and listener/reader. Let me is used to help the speaker/writer signal some upcoming aspect of the text (Carter and McCarthy, 2006). This paper looks at Let∼ patterns in Master's theses in Linguistics written by 40 native (British) and 40 non-native (Lithuanian) students of English. The analysis has shown that Let∼ patterns in MA theses have the interpersonal and textual functions. The specific discourse acts performed through the use of Let∼ include textual acts (e.g. referring to an example, starting a new subtopic) and cognitive acts (e.g. following a line of reasoning, interpreting an idea). The frequency of Let∼ patterns is much higher in non-native than in native student theses. This can be explained by the influence of the spoken mode of English on student writing and transfer of speaking skills. Mother tongue transfer is not considered an important factor in this respect.
- Subjects
ACADEMIC dissertations; LINGUISTICS; ENGLISH language; CONTENT analysis; LITHUANIAN students
- Publication
Language in Different Contexts / Kalba ir Kontekstai, 2012, Vol 5, Issue 1, p85
- ISSN
1822-5357
- Publication type
Article