英语励志演讲语篇评价潜势研究——以奥普拉·温弗瑞在哈佛大学毕业典礼上的演讲为例

A Study on the Appraisal Resources in English Motivational Speech——Examplified by Oprah Winfrey's Speech at Harvard Graduation Ceremony

励志演讲语篇负载着明显的意图性和很强的可接受性的特点,是典型的具有感染性和说服性的功能语篇。演讲者会从语言系统中选择各种具有较强人际功能的评价资源,实施态度表达、拓展与听众的言语互动空间以增强语篇人际协商功能的语言手段,从而成功地说服并激励听众,实现语篇的交际目的。以奥普拉·温弗瑞在哈佛大学毕业典礼上的演讲为例,在评价理论的框架下,通过对其中的评价潜势进行分析,发现该演讲中通过倾向性地选择正面的鉴赏、情感类的态度资源、对话扩张性的介入资源以及上扬的语势级差资源策略性地实现了语篇的引导、鼓舞及说服功能。

Motivational speech features strong persuasiveness and acceptability.Based on the appraisal theory,this article focuses on the appraisal resources in English motivational speech,examplified by Oprah Winfrey's speech at Harvard graduation ceremony.Through the research,this study reveals that positive appreciation and affect in attitude,dialogue expansion in engagement as well as raised force in graduation account for the most part of the total appraisal resources.This strategic choice powerfully makes the speech more instructing,encouraging,and convincing,which better serves the purpose of the speech of this kind.