Scaffolding for relationships through the textual function in memoranda, letters and savingrams

Abstract

The study is located in Systemic Functional Grammar which considers the architecture of language in terms of an inherent system of choices that are influenced by the functions that the language performs in the social contexts in which the language is used. It therefore takes the position that the sequence of text structure in correspondence documents in which directives are issued, reveals a dialogic relationship which contributes to the management of interaction. The study views the interpersonal function as progressively built into the discourse structure (Martin and Rose 2003; Sinclair and Mauranen   2006). Swales (1990) and Bhatia (1990) refer to these structures as moves and they also see them as combining to contribute towards the creation of a text. Using data from correspondences including memoranda, savingrams and letters produced in the some government departments and ministries, the sample was qualitatively analysed and the discourse structure classified into five main structures. The data further showed that writers prefer the nuclear-satellite structure or its inversion, to show humility and deference on the part of the writer even when he or she was in a position of authority. This result was a demonstration that the dialogic nature of language is progressively and intricately weaved into its discourse structure as the text unfolds