A Contrastive Study Of Metadiscourse In The Introductions Of Research Articles In Journals Of Linguistics And Economics

Metadiscourse is the language resource for writers to organize discourse and establish effective interactions with readers.Currently,the interdisciplinary comparison of metadiscouse in academic discourse is mainly conducted between soft and hard disciplines.However,the comparison within soft or hard disciplines is expected to be explored.Therefore,based on Hyland’s(2005)interpersonal model of metadiscourse,this study aims to explore the similarities and differences in the distribution of metadiscourse in the introductions in international journals of Linguistics and Economics,and further analyze the potential factors.This study constructs two corpora with the average size of 40,000 tokens each,in which introductions are collected from journals published from 2016 to 2020 in SSCI.The data is extracted and analyzed through Ant Conc and Chi-Square Calculator.It is found that in terms of similarities,in general,a large number of metadiscourse markers appear in the two corpora,in which the frequency of interactive metadiscourse is higher than that of interactional metadiscourse;specifically,the similar distribution of transitions in the two corpora accounts for high proportions.In contrast,more differences are manifested.Firstly,more evidentials occur in linguistic introductions.Second,more items of interactional metadiscourse and subcategories(frame markers,endophoric markers,self mention and engagement markers)appear in economic introductions.The factors for similarities include:(1)Metadiscourse and its subcategory(transitions)are frequently used in the two corpora due to the common argumentative and persuasive features of soft field.(2)The frequent use of interactive metadiscourse can be attributed to the combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis in empirical research and the gradual emphasis of objectivity and logicality.The factors for differences are:(1)In academic discourse,linguists downplay identity of self,while economists emphasize it.(2)The connection of more moves and information in economic introductions depends on the use of frame markers and endophoric markers.(3)In mode of discourse,more logicality in Economics allows writers to use more engagement markers to enhance negotiation with readers,while more persuasiveness allows writers to quote authority to convince readers in Linguistics.In conclusion,in terms of disciplinary characteristics,Linguistics is more argumentative and persuasive,while Economics is more logical;through metadiscourse,the interdisciplinary integration is gradually promoted between Linguistics and Economics,namely,linguistic introduction gradually strengthens objectivity and logicality;economic introduction increases persuasiveness.Therefore,metadiscourse plays an indispensable role in academic discourse.Additionally,this study is expected to shed light on the relevant research and teaching of English academic writing.