功能语言学论文.doc

The Study of “I Am Prepared to Die for An Idea” in the light of Appraisal Theory Abstract: The Appraisal Theory is developed on the basis of the interpersonal function which is the one of the three meta-functions of systemic-functional linguistics. It is a new development of functional linguistics and offers us a decent way to analyze the interpersonal function of discourses. This essay tries to study Nelson Mandela’s address “I Am Prepared to Die for An Ideal” in the light of Appraisal Theory and find out why it becomes one of the world-renowned addresses in term of its language. Thus we could give suggestions to addresses of the same kind made in the future. Key Words: Appraisal Theory; Nelson Mandela; Suggestion 1. Introduction The appraisal theory was first put forward by Martin. It is a development of the interpersonal function of systemic-funcional linguistics. Engagement, Attitude and Gradation are the three evaluation resources in the text. And these resources reflect the speakers’ standpoint, perspective and attitude, which are also the evaluation parameters in the text. Political addresses always attract widespread attention among the public. It presents standpoints, perspectives and attitudes to the audiences publicly aiming to arouse resonance among them. The addressers always utilize multiple appraisal means during the process explicitly or implicitly. Nelson Mandela’s world-renowned speech “I Am Prepared to Die for An Idea” is a very successful one of its type. In the following pages I am trying to analyze the address from its language in the light of Appraisal theory and find out how Mr. Mandela showed his standpoint, perspective and attitude against war, hatred and apartheid and his ideal for justice, democracy and unity. 2. Appraisal theory and its development The appraisal system consists of three subsystems: Engagement, Attitude and Gradation, which is also called Appraisal resources. But these subcategories are not an end themselves. Engagement c