Abstract

Students are expected to interpret the complexities and nuances of literary texts yet might struggle with interpreting texts in ways that are valued in literary studies. Examining students’ language choices can support instructors and students with developing concrete, explicit understandings of the ways language creates meanings in discourse. This study draws on the Appraisal framework within Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) to analyze essays from two introductory writing about literature courses. Findings illustrate that more proficient writers interpret possible significances using Appreciation and Engagement resources and construe subtle shades of significance using Graduation resources. This linguistic analysis illustrates the ways abstract qualities of literary interpretation including nuance can be seen in students’ specific language choices. By exposing the fine-grained elements of meaning in students’ writing, this study creates pathways toward stimulating students’ and instructors’ metalinguistic awareness of how specific language choices create disciplinarily-valued qualities of writing.

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Year of Publication
2024
Journal
Written Communication
Volume
42
Issue
1
Number of Pages
35
Date Published
10/2024
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Beyond Surfaces and Depths: An SFL Analysis of Fine Gradations of Meaning in Undergraduates’ Writing About Literature

Assistant Professor of English

Citation: 1.Beyond Surfaces and Depths: An SFL Analysis of Fine Gradations of Meaning in Undergraduates’ Writing About Literature. Written Communication. 2024;42(1):35.

In: Written Communication

Published by: , 2024

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