Analysis of Language Metafunction in Essay-Writing

(Analisis Metafungsi Bahasa dalam Penulisan Karangan)

Authors

Abstract

This paper explores the application of theme type and language metafunction using the SFL (Systemic Functional Linguistics) theory. Data was obtained from the beginning sentences of opinion essays written by second-language students, through the identification of the themes they use. 366 sentences from 21 essays were analysed. The analysis of theme involved both marked and unmarked themes, while that of language metafunction involved three categories: ideational theme, interpersonal theme and textual theme. The analysis reveals that unmarked theme, ideational theme and textual theme are often employed by students when constructing the first sentence. This analysis may help students to develop their ideas systematically when writing, and may provide teachers with the necessary information to develop an effective method for teaching essay-writing.

Keywords: composition, theme, theme type, metafunction

Author Biographies

  • Norfaizah Abdul Jobar, Sultan Idris Education University

    Fakulti Bahasa dan Komunikasi

  • Anida Sarudin, Sultan Idris Education University

    Fakulti Bahasa dan Komunikasi

  • Idris Md. Radzi, Sultan Idris Education University

    Fakulti Bahasa dan Komunikasi

References

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Published

2018-10-18

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 2 (2016): Jurnal Bahasa Volume 16 Number 2 December 2016

Section

Articles

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