Full metadata record
| DC Field | Value | Language |
|---|---|---|
| dc.contributor | Department of English | en_US |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Ho, Victor (ENGL) | - |
| dc.creator | Wang, Yihua | - |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/8095 | - |
| dc.language | English | en_US |
| dc.publisher | Hong Kong Polytechnic University | - |
| dc.rights | All rights reserved | en_US |
| dc.title | Gender differences : use of hedges and boosts for persuasion in commencement speeches | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | This MA project investigates whether or not male and female speakers are different in the use of hedges and boosters to enhance credibility (ethos) in commencement speeches. It is a corpus-based study, which examines the persuasive function of hedges and boosters on lexical level. The corpus includes 40 commencement speeches (20 for each gender). Both quantitative and qualitative analysis have been conducted to explore the characteristic patterns of hedges and boosters as well as their contributions to the establishment of personal ethos. Results are compared to decide whether those characteristics are gender-specific. Findings reveal that modal verbs account for the largest proportion of hedging resources, while adverbs of frequency (e.g. always, never) are the most often used boosting device. The balance of hedges and boosters apprise audience of various certainties and demonstrate personal ethos of sincerity, confidence and trustworthiness. Meanwhile, it can be observed that male and female speeches share quantitative similarities, but they are different in persuasive styles and messages conveyed. Women{174}s use of hedges and boosters reflects a more affinitive and interpersonal communicative style, and they are more likely to convince the audience to be true to themselves and cherish special others. | en_US |
| dcterms.extent | v, 52 pages : illustrations (some color) | en_US |
| dcterms.isPartOf | PolyU Electronic Theses | en_US |
| dcterms.issued | 2015 | en_US |
| dcterms.educationalLevel | All Master | en_US |
| dcterms.educationalLevel | M.A. | en_US |
| dcterms.LCSH | Language and languages -- Sex differences. | en_US |
| dcterms.LCSH | Speeches, addresses, etc. | en_US |
| dcterms.LCSH | English language -- Discourse analysis | en_US |
| dcterms.LCSH | Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations | en_US |
| dcterms.accessRights | restricted access | en_US |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b28237304.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 1.13 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
Copyright Undertaking
As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:
- I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
- I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
- I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.
By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/8095