Erin Gonzales

Graduation Semester and Year

2008

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Linguistics

Department

Linguistics

First Advisor

Mark A Ouellette

Abstract

This study examines the negotiation of interpersonal meaning in the language of university administrators in their communications with students. The three texts in this study were written by the president of a large university to the student body and concern a controversy which arose on campus. The study uses Systemic Functional Grammar to examine how the language of the texts constructs interpersonal relationships between administration and students, as well as the extent to which such language changes when significant contextual issues become a factor. Specifically, in this study data analysis reveals that the language used changes in different contexts in an effort to maintain a positive interpersonal relationship between the university and the students in light of negative contextual factors. These findings suggest that the university values its relationship with the students and desires to preserve a delicate balance of authority and solidarity, even in challenging situations.

Disciplines

Linguistics | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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