Vijay K. Bhatia

Analysing genre : language use in professional settings

General Editors Preface Preface Acknowledgements Part 1: Genre Analysis-Theoretical Preliminaries 1. From description to explanation in discourse analysis 2. Approach to genre analysis Part 2: Genre Analysis in Action 3. Product and self promotion in business settings 4. Research genres in academic settings 5. Legal discourse in professional settings Part 3: Applications 6. From description to explanation in language teaching 7. Generic integrity and language reform Bibliography Subject Index Author Index.

GENRE-MIXING IN ACADEMIC INTRODUCTIONS

Abstract In the present-day competitive academic and professional climate, genres are seldom seen to maintain static values but have become vehicles for a more complex and dynamic exchange of information, resulting in constant mixing of a variety of somewhat independent generic values within the more standardized genres. This paper looks at introductory genres and their various realizations, conventionally used to introduce academic books, and variously named as introduction, preface, foreword, acknowledgment and publishers blurb to investigate their nature, function and structure in the light of the present theory of genre analysis as discussed in Swales (1990) and Bhatia (1993). The main focus of the paper will be on the role of promotional intentions in the manipulation of generic conventions resulting in the mixing of generic values from the point of view of a utilitarian view of genre construction, interpretation and use.

Interdiscursivity in professional communication

In recent versions of professional genre analysis, context has assumed increasingly critical importance, thus redefining genre as a configuration of text-internal and text-external factors. The emphasis on text-external properties of genre has brought into focus the notion of interdiscursivity as distinct from intertextuality, which is primarily viewed as appropriation of text-internal resources. Drawing evidence from a number of professional contexts, this article explores the nature, function, and use of interdiscursivity in genre theory, defining interdiscursivity as a function of appropriation of generic resources across discursive, professional and cultural practices, which, it is claimed, is central to our understanding of the complexities of genres that are typically employed in professional, disciplinary, and institutional communication.

Introduction: Genre Analysis and World Englishes

In recent years, discourse and genre analysis has established itself as an important field of study within linguistics having implications for applied linguistics, especially in the teaching and learning of languages, mass communication, writing research, language reform and a number of other areas related to professional and academic communication. However, a more recent recognition of variation in the use of English as a result of its global spread and use in the ‘outer’ and the ‘expanding circles’ (Kachru, 1992) has given rise to concerns about the need and capacity of the presently used paradigms, frameworks and methodologies in discourse and genre analysis to account for such a variation. Since English has undoubtedly acquired the status of a world language, it is more than necessary that linguists of all persuasions, whether interested in the issues of language acquisition, description, use or reform need to adjust their vision, paradigms, frameworks or methodologies in order to be able to account for this global variation in the use of English in the intra and international contexts. The main purpose of this special volume is to address some of these issues arising from intercultural and cross-cultural perspectives on the use of English as an international or world language.

The Power and Politics of Genre.

Generic knowledge plays an important role in the packing and unpacking of texts used in a wide-ranging institutionalized socio-rhetorical context. If, on the one hand, it imposes constraints on an uninitiated genre writer to conform to the conventions and rhetorical expectations of the relevant professional community, on the other hand, it allows an experienced and established writer of the genre to exploit conventions to create new forms to suit specific contexts. Unfortunately, however, this privilege to exploit generic conventions to create new forms becomes available only to those few who enjoy a certain degree of visibility in the relevant professional community; for a wide majority of others, it is more of a matter of apprenticeship in accommodating the expectations of disciplinary cultures. This paper reviews current research to investigate the way the power and the politics of genre is often exploited by the so-called established membership of disciplinary communities to keep outsiders at a safe distance.

Developing legal writing materials for English second language learners: problems and perspectives

Although in recent years we have seen a significant increase in the development of resources for legal writing, very few of them are targeted at second language learners. This article reviews currently available legal writing books in terms of their suitability for use in EALP writing contexts. It concludes that, although certain aspects of the available books can be useful, most are generally unsuitable for use in such contexts. Three approaches are then offered for developing legal writing materials that will meet the criteria of suitability. First, the materials can be customized in various ways to meet the needs of second language users studying law in the medium of English. Second, the materials can adopt a more language and discourse-based approach. Third, rather than packaging materials exclusively in book form, they can be made available as a computer-mediated resource bank. This article derives from ongoing work in a 3year, university-funded project entitled ‘‘Improving Legal English: Quality Measures for Programme Development and Evaluation’’, based at the City University of Hong Kong. # 2002 The American University. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

English for Business Communication

The concept of Business English has undergone some major shifts in the last few years because of a number of developments, such as advances in genre theory and the coming together of English for Business Purposes and Business Communication, inspired by the realization that there is a gap to be bridged between the academy and the globalized business world. Drawing on advances in the analysis of business discourses, especially in applied genre analysis, this state-of-the-art review revisits the frameworks currently used in English for Business Purposes and Business Communication (or, more generally, Professional Communication) to suggest an integration of the two approaches for the design of English for Business Communication (EBC) programmes. The study incorporates an extensive review of much of the relevant published work in all the three areas mentioned above to identify some of the main issues in EBC, and illustrates a gradual shift in the rationale for the design and implementation of EBC programmes.

Explorations in Specialized Genres

Genre analysis has become firmly established as one of the most popular frameworks for the study of specialized genres in academic, professional and institutional as well as other workplace contexts. In recent years, genre theory has also developed in the direction of a more comprehensive and powerful multi-dimensional and multi-perspectived framework to examine not only the text but also the context in a much more meaningful manner than had ever been done earlier. The theoretical perspectives and the individual case studies of this volume testify to the wide range of methodological tools made available by genre theory, enabling researchers to handle problems relating to the description of variations in language use. Moreover, the following relevant issues are addressed: how are specialized genres constructed, interpreted and exploited in the achievement of specific goals in highly specialized contexts?

Task Design and Interaction in Collaborative Writing: The Students' Story.

This article investigates student behaviour on collaborative assignments, looking at the relationship between task type and interaction, and considers the implications for task design. Students reported on interactions in a year-long workplace-focussed group communication project, comparing these with interactions on other academy-based group assignments. Differences were seen in the amount of brainstorming, the criteria for dividing up work, the intensity of editing, and how conflict was managed. Contributing factors to these differences included the presence or absence of a creative element, the instrumental nature of the task, and the need for a collective approach inherent in the task design.

Democratizing government decision-making: A study of public discourse in Hong Kong☆

Abstract Hong Kong, in the context of Governor Chris Pattens efforts to introduce greater democratic reforms in the past few years, presents an interesting context for the study of the complexity of discursive practices associated with government decision-making. Various forms of public discourse, some of which include consultation papers, a variety of newspaper genres, representations from public and social organizations, and statements by various socio-political organizations, have a role to play in the government decision-making process. By reconstructing the government decision-making processes, the paper makes an attempt to study the nature of the public consultation process leading within the framework of the democratization of public discourse in Hong Kong.