Research On The Distribution Features And Pragmatic Functions Of Heteroglossic Engagement Resources In TED Persuasive Speeches

The forms and functions of language resources are closely related to the functions of discourse."Heteroglossic engagement resources" are language resources.How can they help the speaker achieve the persuasive function of discourse in persuasive discourse?This study uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods,with the help of SPSS 16.0,a statistical tool,using the "engagement system" as the theoretical framework,taking 10 persuasive speeches selected from the TED official website as samples to explore the distribution features and pragmatic functions of"heteroglossic engagement resources".Especially,it explores the relationship between"heteroglossic engagement resources" and the realization of persuasion.Research questions are follows.Firstly,what are the distribution features of these"heteroglossic engagement resources"?Secondly,from the perspective of pragmatic functions,why such distribution features are formed?Thirdly,how do these"heteroglossic engagement resources" help speakers achieve persuasion in TED persuasive speeches?The main research findings are listed as follows.Firstly,in TED persuasive speeches,as for the distribution features,on the whole,the total amount of "dialogic contraction" is greater than the total amount of "dialogic expansion".In addition,"entertain" accounts for the most percentage while "distancing" is the less.Apart from these,"denial" and "countering" are found to show a significant positive correlation.Secondly,in TED persuasive speeches,the pragmatic functions of each "heterglossic engagement resources" are as follows."Denial" highlights speakers'points of view."Countering" helps to arouse the curiosity of audiences."Concurrence" makes the points of view which are currently being discussed unquestionable."Pronouncement"can help speakers to come up with definitions,call for something and attract audiences'attention."Endorsement" could be used to shape the current views into correct,reasonable and undeniable."Entertain" makes audiences involve in the dialogue unconsciously and reach an agreement."Acknowledgement" reduces the likelihood of audiences' resistance.Avoiding using "distancing" shapes good images for speakers.Hence,it is beneficial for speakers to achieve persuasion.Thirdly,the distribution features of "heterglossic engagement resources" are closed related to their pragmatic functions.Furthermore,these factors are committed to the realization of persuasion.This study chooses the persuasive discourse,which has explicit speech purposes and has various "heteroglossic engagement resources",to deeply explore the relationship among language forms,functions and discourse functions.It could help people deepen understanding of the relationship among language forms,functions and discourse functions.