A Comparative Analysis of Discussion Sections in PhD Dissertations across Cultures, Emphasizing Rhetorical Moves
Nesa Nabifar
1
(
Nesa Nabifar, Ph. D
Islamic Azad University, Tabriz branch
Nesanabifar12@yahoo.com
)
Vida Fathi Bonabi
2
(
Department of English, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
)
Saeideh Ahangari
3
(
Department of English Language and Literature, Azad University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
)
Keywords: Key terms: Culture , Cross-cultural Study , Rhetorical Move Analysis, Discussion Sections,
Abstract :
Abstract
There is a growing recognition of the importance of understanding and addressing the unique linguistic and cultural challenges faced by doctoral students from diverse backgrounds, particularly in the realm of academic writing. By considering this fact, this study delved into the discussion sections of Ph.D. dissertations across diverse linguistic and cultural contexts, focusing on the utilization of rhetorical moves. With an extensive analysis encompassing EFL, ESL, and native English –speaking environments in Iran, India, and English-speaking countries (UK &USA) and based on purposive sampling, a total 0f 300 dissertations were scrutinized. The research adopted a descriptive design to uncover patterns and variations in the discourse structures across the examined contexts. To answer the research questions, Yang and Allison’s (2003) framework was employed. By using SPSS version 21 the whole data was evaluated and Chi-Square data analysis were used to compare the results. The findings showed that although proportionally more rhetorical moves were used by native speakers in comparison to the other two groups, the differences were not found to be statistically different. The results of the present study could help textbook designers, educational planners, material developers, foreign language institutes, teachers, and learners to provide a better context for foreign language learning and improve reading comprehension.
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