A Contrastive Study On Interpersonal Meaning Of Chinese And American University Webpage Introductions In English

Under the guidance of the new theoretical framework integrated by Systemic Functional Grammar and Visual Grammar,this study aims to analyze the different realization of interpersonal meaning between Chinese and American University Webpage Introductions(UWI for short)from speech role,social relation and attitude.This study mainly adopts quantitative and qualitative methods and focuses on the comparison and analysis of interpersonal meaning of UWI in the self-built corpora in terms of verbal and visual resources.Besides,this study tries to explain the difference from social and cultural context,and provide some tentative suggestions for the construction of Chinese UWI.After careful analysis,the following are the differences between Chinese and American UWI in realizing interpersonal meaning:(1)Chinese UWI take on the role of information-giving by adopting overwhelming declaratives and "offer" images,while American UWI take on giving-interacting role with more imperatives,interrogatives and "demand" images;(2)Chinese UWI tend to create distant social relations with audience by frequently using "it",proper name&its abbreviation and long-shot images to enhance the credibility and authority of UWI,while American UWI prefer creating intimate relations with audience by frequently using "we","you"and medium&close shot images;(3)both parties objectively convey information by using median&low value modal expressions,more oblique-angle and eye-level images.In addition,in terms of the contents of verbal and visual resources,Chinese UWI show self-centered attitude by presenting the university' general description,while American UWI show reader-centered attitude by presenting colorful college life and current educational resources.