A Functional Language Analysis Approach to the Cohesive Features in Mathematical Discourse

HE Zhong-qing; WANG Ke-yuan

Jun. 2021

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Article Navigation > Journal of University of Science and Technology Beijing ( Social Sciences Edition) > 2018 > 34(5): 1-6

HE Zhong-qing, WANG Ke-yuan. A Functional Language Analysis Approach to the Cohesive Features in Mathematical Discourse[J]. Journal of University of Science and Technology Beijing ( Social Sciences Edition), 2018, 34(5): 1-6.

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HE Zhong-qing, WANG Ke-yuan. A Functional Language Analysis Approach to the Cohesive Features in Mathematical Discourse[J]. Journal of University of Science and Technology Beijing ( Social Sciences Edition), 2018, 34(5): 1-6.

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A Functional Language Analysis Approach to the Cohesive Features in Mathematical Discourse

School of Foreign Studies, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China

Received Date: 2018-06-19
Available Online: 2021-06-01

Abstract

Abstract

Cohesion constitutes an important element in forming textuality, ensuring clarity, appropriateness and comprehensibility in text. The present paper explores the cohesive features in mathematical discourse from the perspective of functional language analysis (FLA), focusing on the distribution and realization of cohesive devices, and distance of cohesive ties. Findings reveal that in mathematical discourse the most widely used cohesive device is reference, followed by lexical cohesion and conjunction. Substitution and ellipsis are hardly ever used. In terms of realization, reference is dominated by the definite article the, the demonstrative pronouns this/these and the adverb here, while conjunction is mainly realized by the additive conjunction and, the causal conjunction therefore, and the temporal conjunction firstly/secondly. In distance of cohesive ties, mathematical discourse mainly relies on immediate ties to achieve cohesion. It is argued that the present study contributes to the exploration of the “organization” features in mathematical discourse, thus shedding new light on studies of disciplinary English.
- disciplinary English,
- mathematical discourse,
- cohesion,
- functional language analysis

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References(27)

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