A Study on the Language Features of Speeches in Chinese and English

As a special genre, speech has certain language features. Comparing Chinese and English speech can promote the study, education and research of speech. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the common language features of Chinese and English speech. The research question lies in the similarities between Chinese and English speeches in schematic structure, textual cohesion and process. The research method is to extract 30 Chinese speeches and 30 English speeches from the HKMU Trilingual Toastmasters Club in Hong Kong Metropolitan University from 2022 to 2023, and to analyze their schematic structure, textual cohesion and process, this paper sums up the common linguistic features of Chinese and English speeches and their communicative functions. The results show that the common schematic structure of the two is: Greetings ^ Background ^ Topic ^ Position ^ Argument 1-n ^ Reposition ^ Hope ^ Thanks; the most common textual cohesion is reference; the most common process is material process. These language features can help to bring out the complete structure and content. It is believed that the research results can provide some references for the study and teaching of Chinese and English speech as well as research.

Keywords

Chinese Speech, English Speech, Schematic Structure, Textual Cohesion, Process

source

International Journal of Chinese Language Education; Jun 2024; Issue No. 15; p.103-126

Language

Chinese