Abstract

GALLARDO, Susana. The doctoral thesis citation in biology and linguistics. Íkala [online]. 2010, vol.15, n.26, pp.153-177. ISSN 0123-3432.

Objective: To identity differences among disciplines in using citation. Methodology: Through a qualitative analysis we have studied the forms and functions of citations in two sections (''Introduction'' and ''Conclusions'') of doctoral theses of Biology and Linguistics. On the one hand, we have explored the lexis and grammar so to determine the form of citations in different rhetorical moves. On the other hand, from a pragmatic point of view we have determined the place of the referred content in the illocutionary structure. Results: We observed a correlation between the form of citations and function of segment or movement in which they appear. In the discussion section of Biology thesis, citation played the role of enablement or justification of claims. These results suggest that authors in biology need to support their conclusions with evidence from other investigations. Conclusions: In our opinion, the differences between disciplines are related with different epistemological conceptions.

Keywords : languages for special purposes; biology; linguistics; discursive genres; PhD thesis; citation; academic writing; illocutionary structure.

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