Grammatical subject of research articles: What novice writers can learn from professional writers in writing introduction?

Open

Refnaldi, Andi Muhammad Irawan, Slamet Setiawan, Sisri Ovalina

2024 Indonesian Journal of Applied Linguistics Vol. 14 Issue 2 Article Cited by 0 SDG 4SDG 16 Quartile

Abstract

Grammatical subjects are critical as they warrant text coherence and assist in reader’s understanding of the text. They are of particular importance in a research article introduction to set up the study’s context and relevance within the wider academic discourse. This research aims to disclose what novice writers can learn from professional writers in using Grammatical Subjects (GS). It compared GS realizations and functions in Research Article Introductions (RAIs) employed by both professional and novice writers published in applied linguistic-related Journals. One hundred introduction sections from ten journals were purposely selected. 50 of them were authored by professional writers while the other 50 by novice writers. All of these sections were then examined with the use of Gosden’s (1993) analytical framework. Findings revealed that both professional and novice writers employed all types of GS. These types encompassed Discourse Participant, Interactive Participant, Discourse Event or Process, Macro and Micro Discourse Entities, Hypothesized Viewpoint, and Empty Real-World Theme. Nevertheless, the results also highlighted noticeable differences concerning the realizations of the Participant Viewpoint, Interactive Discourse Entity, Empty Discourse Theme, Objective Viewpoint, Hypothesized Entity, Empty H and O Themes, Mental Process, Real-World Entity, and Real-World Event or Process. These findings could help novice writers, especially nonnative novice writers, navigate the use of grammatical subjects and become aware of their functions and linguistic features to establish coherent ideas in writing a research article introduction section. © (2024), (Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia). All rights reserved.

Affiliations

English Language Education Study Program, Faculty of Language and Art, Universitas Negeri Padang, Jl. Prof. Dr. Hamka, Air Tawar Barat, Kec. Padang Utara, West Sumatera, Padang, 25171, Indonesia; English Literature Study Program, Faculty of Language and Art, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Jl. Ketintang, Ketintang, Kec. Gayungan, Jawa Timur, Surabaya, 60231, Indonesia

Research at a Glance

Premium content — register to unlock

Research at a Glance

Register to unlock

Topics & SDG Alignment

Premium content — register to unlock

Topics & SDG Alignment

Register to unlock

Collaboration

Premium content — register to unlock

Collaboration

Register to unlock

Author Profile (Selected)

Premium content — register to unlock

Author Profile (Selected)

Register to unlock

References Overview

Premium content — register to unlock

References Overview

Register to unlock

Journal & Source

Premium content — register to unlock

Journal & Source

Register to unlock

Metadata & Integrity

Premium content — register to unlock

Metadata & Integrity

Register to unlock