Abstract

The present thesis conducts a case study of the linguistic function of personal pronouns in Obama’s Inauguration Speech. Guided by Systemic-Functional Grammar, it investigates the interpersonal function of personal pronouns by adopting both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A careful analysis of the personal pronouns employed by Obama in his inauguration speech-- the first person I and we, the second person you, the third person it and they --proves that the application of these personal pronouns not only reinforces the speaker's standpoints but also establishes the friendly relationship between the speaker and the audience, thus making the speech compelling and convincing.

Key words: Obama’s Inauguration Speech; personal pronouns; interpersonal function

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1 Introduction-1

1.1 The significance of the study-1

1.2 Data and methods-1

1.3 Structure-2

2 Literature review-3

3 Theoretical bases-4

4 An analysis of personal pronouns in Obama’s Inauguration Speech-5

4.1 Statistical results-5

4.2 Interpersonal function of personal pronouns-6

4.2.1 The first person pronouns I and we-6

4.2.2 The second person pronoun you-10

4.2.3 The third person pronouns it and they-12

5 Conclusions-14

5.1 Findings-14

5.2 Limitations-15

References-16