Multifunctionality in English: Corpora, Language and Academic Literacy Pedagogy

This edited volume provides detailed analyses of multifunctional forms in English, with hands-on approaches and practical applications to language and literacy educators, applied linguistics and education students. It covers the multifunctionality of utterances, linguistic creativity, pronouns, professional discourse, verbs, discourse markers, and metadiscourse markers in different registers and disciplines. The volume bridges theory and practice, offering a resource for understanding multifunctional forms in English.

Format: Hardback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This edited volume presents comprehensive examinations of multifunctional forms in English, offering practical approaches that illustrate their relevant implications and practical applications for language and literacy educators working in TESOL, ESL/EFL/EAL, and research students in applied linguistics and education. The chapters delve into various aspects of multifunctionality, including the multifunctionality of utterances in spoken and multimodal corpora, the multifunctionality of linguistic creativity across different genres, the role of multifunctional pronouns in hard and soft sciences, and professional discourse in university and secondary school contexts. Additionally, the volume explores a comparison of the multifunctionality of verbs across ESL textbooks, native written and spoken English corpora, and between ESL and L1 university students in writing a specific genre. It also examines comparisons of the multifunctionality of discourse markers across different registers and between L1 and L2 English speakers, as well as multifunctional metadiscourse markers in various disciplines and paradigms.

By presenting detailed analysis of authentic corpus data representing diverse English varieties, specialized usage in various contexts, and practical teaching and learning applications, this volume effectively bridges theory and practice, serving as a valuable resource for students, educators, and researchers seeking to comprehend multifunctional forms in English.

The chapters in this edited volume cover a wide range of topics related to multifunctionality in English. The first chapter explores the multifunctionality of utterances in spoken and multimodal corpora, examining how language users employ multiple functions in their speech acts. It discusses the different types of multifunctionality, such as lexical, grammatical, and pragmatic, and how these functions interact to create complex meanings. The chapter also highlights the importance of corpus analysis in studying multifunctionality and provides examples of how corpora can be used to identify patterns and trends in language use.

The second chapter focuses on the multifunctionality of linguistic creativity in different genres. It examines how language users employ different linguistic resources, such as vocabulary, grammar, and discourse patterns, to create unique and innovative expressions in different writing contexts. The chapter also explores the role of genre in shaping multifunctionality and how different genres require different linguistic strategies.

The third chapter examines multifunctional pronouns in hard and soft sciences. It discusses how pronouns play multiple roles in scientific communication, such as referring to entities, expressing relationships, and indicating temporal and spatial aspects. The chapter also highlights the challenges of using multifunctional pronouns in scientific writing and provides examples of how they can be used effectively.

The fourth chapter explores professional discourse in university and secondary school contexts. It examines how language users employ different linguistic resources to create persuasive and informative messages in academic settings. The chapter also discusses the role of academic genres in shaping professional discourse and how language users adapt their language to different academic contexts.

The fifth chapter compares the multifunctionality of verbs between ESL textbooks, native written and spoken English corpora, and between ESL and L1 university students in writing a particular genre. It examines how verbs are used differently in different contexts and how language users employ different strategies to convey different meanings. The chapter also highlights the differences in verb usage between ESL and L1 speakers and provides suggestions for teaching and learning verbs in different contexts.

The sixth chapter examines comparisons of the multifunctionality of discourse markers between different registers and between L1 and L2 English speakers. It discusses how discourse markers are used to signal transitions, maintain coherence, and create social relationships in spoken and written language. The chapter also explores the role of register in shaping discourse marker usage and how language users adapt their discourse markers to different social contexts.

The seventh chapter examines multifunctional metadiscourse markers in different disciplines and paradigms. It discusses how language users employ metadiscourse resources, such as hedges, boosters, and self-repair strategies, to convey their stance, manage uncertainty, and create persuasive messages. The chapter also explores the role of discipline and paradigm in shaping metadiscourse marker usage and how language users adapt their metadiscourse markers to different academic and professional contexts.

In conclusion, this edited volume provides a comprehensive examination of multifunctional forms in English, offering practical approaches that illustrate their relevant implications and practical applications for language and literacy educators working in TESOL, ESL/EFL/EAL, and research students in applied linguistics and education. The chapters cover a wide range of topics related to multifunctionality, including the multifunctionality of utterances, linguistic creativity, multifunctional pronouns, professional discourse, verb multifunctionality, discourse marker multifunctionality, and metadiscourse marker multifunctionality. By presenting detailed analysis of authentic corpus data representing diverse English varieties, specialized usage in various contexts, and practical teaching and learning applications, this volume effectively bridges theory and practice, serving as a valuable resource for students, educators, and researchers seeking to comprehend multifunctional forms in English.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367725099