A Comparative Study of Lexical Bundles Used in “Comment on Results” Move in Chinese and Native Expert Academic Writings: Taking Appraisal Theory Perspective
Abstract：Abstract: Comparing evaluative meanings of lexical bundles used in “comment on results” move in journal articles by Chinese expert writers and their native counterparts, this article, taking Appraisal Theory as its analytical framework, explores the systematic and distinctive features of evaluative language resources used by Chinese expert writers. Corpus-based data analyses show that Chinese writers used more verbal bundles and clausal bundles, while their native counterparts used more phrasal bundles, which may indicate that Chinese writers could not use information- intensive bundles effectively. Comparatively, Chinese writers used fewer guiding bundles, quantifying bundles and framing bundles than their counterparts, and the use of hedging bundles were rare. The low frequency of use also shows, on the one hand, the lack of knowledge of evaluative resources and necessary strategies to guide the reader on the part of Chinese writers, and on the other hand, inability to construct a space where they can negotiate their “comment on results” effectively with the reader. The findings of this research may offer some implications on academic writing by Chinese writers.
Key words: Appraisal Theory; academic lexical bundles; “comment on results” move
