Positive Discourse Analysis Of Obama’s Speech In Shanghai From The Perspective Of Appraisal Theory

From the new perspective--positive discourse analysis (PDA), the thesis employs AppraisalTheory to analyze the distribution of its various resources in Obama’s Speech in Shanghaidelivered on November16，2009, so as to uncover the positive function they serveradvancing the development of the Sino-US relationship. With a positive thinking to guide thereader, PDA adopts an active attitude to analyze the discourse, aiming to make an efforttowards the long-range “Peaceful Linguistics”, and eventually constructing a relaxed,reconciliatory and coexistent human society. The Obama’s Speech in Shanghai is full ofpraise for China and Chinese people as well as the blessing prospect of two-nationrelationship. From a positive perspective to interpret it, we can see the important role it playsin the Sino-US cooperation. The thesis adopts both quantitative and qualitative approaches toinvestigate the features of the distribution of appraisal resources to reveal the positivefunctions they serve. Appraisal resources consist of attitudinal resources, engagement onesand graduation ones. It is found that attitudinal resources are widely distributed in thespeech, and they are unevenly applied. Positive attitudinal resources far exceed the negativeones, while direct attitudinal resources overweight the implied ones. Under engagement,Obama prefers entertainment resources and disclaim ones. In terms of graduationresources, he loves raising force and sharpened focus. From the perspective of PDA, theybenefit to promote the harmonious development of Sino-US relationship. The thesis provesthe feasibility of the Appraisal Theory in the analysis of PDA of the Obama’s Speech inShanghai, enriches the study of PDA.