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On the Discursive Construction of National Image from the Perspective of Appraisal Theory

Received: 8 June 2021    Accepted: 21 June 2021    Published: 29 June 2021
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Abstract

In the era of globalization, Sino-US relationship is currently the hottest topic, especially in the case of tensions in Sino-US trade relationship, and then the construction of national image of various countries becomes very important. Within the appraisal theory, this paper probes into the construction of national image from three perspectives, namely attitude, engagement and graduation. Through this study, the following findings have been highlighted. First, with reference to appraisal theory, the salient feature is that the text is emphatic. Emphatic words are widely used to enhance momentum of the expression and sharpen attitudes of the two anchors. Second, judgement is mainly used in the ATTITUDE system. Both sides prefer to construct the image of pursuing peaceful coexistence and wishing a better future for each other. Besides, they also incline to seek common ground while preserving difference. Third, heterogloss is the main application of the ENGAGEMENT system in the debate. The application of heterogloss can construct the national image of keeping objective and being fair by invoking a legal provision and using reference data. Fourth, emphatic words account for a high percentage in the debate according to the GRADUATION system. Both sides have a clear and sharp attitude to everything especially in face of the wrong perception of others. And they both construct the image of being gentle and modest, which shows the demeanor of a great country.

Published in English Language, Literature & Culture (Volume 6, Issue 2)
DOI 10.11648/j.ellc.20210602.13
Page(s) 37-43
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Appraisal, National Image Construction, Discourse of Debate

References
[1] CGTN. Full transcript of Liu Xin’s live discussion on Fox. [EB/OL] https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d774d3245444d35457a6333566d54/index.html.
[2] Wang, Sanhan & Tan, Yaning. On Media Transmission and Construction of National Image. Journal of Shandong Women’s University, 2006 (3): 81-84.
[3] Li, Haiyan. Cartoon Culture and National Image Construction. Movie Review, 2006 (22): 15-16.
[4] Meng, Jian. Construction of National Image and China’s Institution of News Release. Chinese Journal of Journalism & Communication, 2008 (11): 33-38.
[5] Shang, Chongsheng & Zhao, Luyang. National Image Construction: Theoretical Values, Dimensions and Approaches. Journal of Beijing Administration Institute, 2017 (4): 37-43.
[6] An, Yumeng. On the National Image Construction in the 70th National Day Celebration Reports from People’s Daily Overseas Edition. Journalism & Media Studies, 2020 (2): 125-126.
[7] Guan, Feng. China’s Construction of National Image since the Founding of the PRC as a New China. Journal of Beijing Administrative College, 2020 (2): 38-48.
[8] Martin, J. R. Beyond Exchange: Appraisal Systems in English. In S. Hunston & G. Thompson (eds.). Evaluation in Text: Authorial Stance and the Construction of Discourse. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000: 75-142.
[9] Martin, J. R. & P. White. The Language of Evaluation: Appraisal in English. London: Palgrave, 2005: 44-45.
[10] Halliday, M. A. K. An Introduction to Functional Grammar. London: Edward Arnold, 1994.
[11] Marin, J. R. & D. Rose. Working with Discourse: Meaning beyond the Clause. London: Continuum, 2003: 58-59.
[12] Hu, Zhuanglin, Zhu, Yongsheng & Li, Zhanzi. An Introduction to Systemic Functional Linguistics. Beijing: Beijing University Press, 2005: 322.
[13] Wang, Zhenhua. Appraisal Systems and Their Operation: A New Development in the Systemic Functional Linguistics. Journal of Foreign Languages, 2001 (6): 13-20.
Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Zhou Hai-ming, Xu Qian, Jiang Rong-chun, Zhou Sen. (2021). On the Discursive Construction of National Image from the Perspective of Appraisal Theory. English Language, Literature & Culture, 6(2), 37-43. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ellc.20210602.13

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    ACS Style

    Zhou Hai-ming; Xu Qian; Jiang Rong-chun; Zhou Sen. On the Discursive Construction of National Image from the Perspective of Appraisal Theory. Engl. Lang. Lit. Cult. 2021, 6(2), 37-43. doi: 10.11648/j.ellc.20210602.13

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    AMA Style

    Zhou Hai-ming, Xu Qian, Jiang Rong-chun, Zhou Sen. On the Discursive Construction of National Image from the Perspective of Appraisal Theory. Engl Lang Lit Cult. 2021;6(2):37-43. doi: 10.11648/j.ellc.20210602.13

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  • @article{10.11648/j.ellc.20210602.13,
      author = {Zhou Hai-ming and Xu Qian and Jiang Rong-chun and Zhou Sen},
      title = {On the Discursive Construction of National Image from the Perspective of Appraisal Theory},
      journal = {English Language, Literature & Culture},
      volume = {6},
      number = {2},
      pages = {37-43},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ellc.20210602.13},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ellc.20210602.13},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ellc.20210602.13},
      abstract = {In the era of globalization, Sino-US relationship is currently the hottest topic, especially in the case of tensions in Sino-US trade relationship, and then the construction of national image of various countries becomes very important. Within the appraisal theory, this paper probes into the construction of national image from three perspectives, namely attitude, engagement and graduation. Through this study, the following findings have been highlighted. First, with reference to appraisal theory, the salient feature is that the text is emphatic. Emphatic words are widely used to enhance momentum of the expression and sharpen attitudes of the two anchors. Second, judgement is mainly used in the ATTITUDE system. Both sides prefer to construct the image of pursuing peaceful coexistence and wishing a better future for each other. Besides, they also incline to seek common ground while preserving difference. Third, heterogloss is the main application of the ENGAGEMENT system in the debate. The application of heterogloss can construct the national image of keeping objective and being fair by invoking a legal provision and using reference data. Fourth, emphatic words account for a high percentage in the debate according to the GRADUATION system. Both sides have a clear and sharp attitude to everything especially in face of the wrong perception of others. And they both construct the image of being gentle and modest, which shows the demeanor of a great country.},
     year = {2021}
    }
    

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  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - On the Discursive Construction of National Image from the Perspective of Appraisal Theory
    AU  - Zhou Hai-ming
    AU  - Xu Qian
    AU  - Jiang Rong-chun
    AU  - Zhou Sen
    Y1  - 2021/06/29
    PY  - 2021
    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ellc.20210602.13
    DO  - 10.11648/j.ellc.20210602.13
    T2  - English Language, Literature & Culture
    JF  - English Language, Literature & Culture
    JO  - English Language, Literature & Culture
    SP  - 37
    EP  - 43
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2575-2413
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ellc.20210602.13
    AB  - In the era of globalization, Sino-US relationship is currently the hottest topic, especially in the case of tensions in Sino-US trade relationship, and then the construction of national image of various countries becomes very important. Within the appraisal theory, this paper probes into the construction of national image from three perspectives, namely attitude, engagement and graduation. Through this study, the following findings have been highlighted. First, with reference to appraisal theory, the salient feature is that the text is emphatic. Emphatic words are widely used to enhance momentum of the expression and sharpen attitudes of the two anchors. Second, judgement is mainly used in the ATTITUDE system. Both sides prefer to construct the image of pursuing peaceful coexistence and wishing a better future for each other. Besides, they also incline to seek common ground while preserving difference. Third, heterogloss is the main application of the ENGAGEMENT system in the debate. The application of heterogloss can construct the national image of keeping objective and being fair by invoking a legal provision and using reference data. Fourth, emphatic words account for a high percentage in the debate according to the GRADUATION system. Both sides have a clear and sharp attitude to everything especially in face of the wrong perception of others. And they both construct the image of being gentle and modest, which shows the demeanor of a great country.
    VL  - 6
    IS  - 2
    ER  - 

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Author Information
  • School of Foreign Languages, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, P. R. China

  • Center of TEFL, Lvguang Kid Education Co. Ltd, Shanghai, P. R. China

  • School of Foreign Languages, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, P. R. China

  • School of Foreign Languages, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, P. R. China

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