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Formulaic language in academic writing – Investigating the use of prefabs in linguistic abstracts

På svenska

Author

  • Phoebe Jönsson

Summary, in Swedish

In this study, the use of prefabricated language in academic abstracts is investigated, as well as the functions of prefabricated expressions (prefabs) in this type of text. By analysing ten abstracts taken from peer-reviewed articles in the field of Linguistics, the amount of prefabs is calculated, and their pragmatic roles investigated. The results are then compared to previous research within the subject. The study shows that prefabs are used slightly less in abstracts than in general English - though not to a statistically significant degree - and that about 49 % of the language in these abstracts is prefabricated. The prefabs used in the texts are also shorter than in general English, to a statistically significant degree. The reason for this could be the density of information needed in an academic abstract. This study helps to fill a gap in research in the subject of formulaic language in academic writing and offers suggestions for future research within the area.

Department/s

Publishing year

2017

Language

English

Document type

Student publication for Bachelor's degree

Topic

  • Languages and Literatures

Keywords

  • formulaic language
  • academic writing
  • prefabricated language

Supervisor

  • Henrik Gyllstad (Dr)