A Study Of Metadiscourse Strategies In Enterprises Chairmen’s Statements

The application of metadiscourse in various genres has been widely discussed in recent discourse studies. However, few studies have been conducted on the application of metadiscourse in business discourse. Based on Hyland’s interpersonal model of metadiscourse, this study investigates the. frequencies and distribution features of metadiscourse resources in a self-built corpus in a qualitative and quantitative way to explore how writers use these resources to achieve the purpose of informing readers, persuading investors and building company image.The research shows the following results. First, all the ten metadisourse resources are employed in the corpus. Second, far more interactional metadiscourse than interactive metadiscourse are used, enagagement markers being the most frequently used, followed by transitions, boosters, attitude markers and frame markers. Third, different metadiscourse resources are used strategically:(1) frame markers and transitions are used to construct a cohesive and logical text to make the content acceptable for readers; (2) engagement markers, self-mention, boosters are used to create a more affective text so as to persuade investors; (3) engagement markers, boosters and a combination of boosters with engagement markers are used to realize the function of building corporate images. This research can raise people’s awareness of metadiscourse use in Business English discourse, and enrich the BE teaching content. Meanwhile, this research can fill the research gap of study on enterprise’s discourse.