ABSTRACT

The Appraisal Theory was used as the framework of this paper. By using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods and detailed description, this paper analyze the evaluative lexis in Obama's speeches. This paper studies and explains the distribution characteristics of the three types of appraisal resources.

There are four primary findings are drawn as follows: a) Three sub-systems of evaluative lexis are to be collaborated, and the one that is most amply present throughout the speeches is Attitudal lexis. With affect, judgment and appreciation, the candidates and the audience achieved a consistent position in the emotional and moral chord. b) The positive attitudal lexis is used to praise the main behavior which related to us and the negative attitudal lexis is used to attack the opponent and the current policy shortcomings. c) In the engagement system, the usage of dialogic contractive lexis is more than dialogic dilated lexis. It suggested that presidential candidate Obama is trying to use dialogic contractive lexis to firmly express the responsibilities, commitments and obligations of the future president to establish their authority figures. The usage of the dialogic dilated lexis can be with the audience and the voice of the third parties to negotiate with the electorate holding different political views to establish acceptance and consistency of the relationship. d) In graduation system, the use of a large number of force lexes enhances the intensity of the personal views of the candidates, improving the persuasive power of the language.

In summary, Attitude is the key point of Appraisal Theory. We will find out how the candidate uses evaluative lexis to present his or her campaigning policy, persuade his or her audience and adjust interpersonal relationship. 

Key words: Appraisal Theory; evaluative lexis; Obama's speeches

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One INTRODUCTION-1

1.1 Background of the Study-1

1.2 Purpose and Significance of the Present Study-1

1.3 Organization of the Thesis-2

Chapter Two LITERATURE REVIEW-4

2.1 Previous Studies on President Obama’s Speeches-4

2.2 Unresolved Problems in Previous Studies-5

Chapter Three THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK-6

3.1 Attitude System of Appraisal Theory-7

3.1.1 Affect-8

3.1.2 Judgment-10

3.1.3 Appreciation-11

3.2 Engagement System of Appraisal Theory-12

3.3 Graduation System of Appraisal Theory-13

Chapter Four METHODOLOGY-15

4.1 Research Questions-15

4.3 Data Collection and Description-16

Chapter Five RESULTS AND DISCUSSION-17

5.1 Analysis of Attitudinal Resources-18

5.1.1 Analysis of the Affect Resources-19

5.1.2 Analysis of the Judgment Resources-20

5.1.3 Analysis of the Appreciation Resources-21

5.2 Analysis of Engagement Resources-22

5.3 Analysis of Graduation Resources-22

5.3.1 Analysis of Force Resources-23

5.3.2 Analysis of Focus Resources-24

Chapter Six CONCLUSION-25

REFERENCES-27