Research Articles in Sociology and Literature: A Study of Important, but Neglected, Rhetorical Elements in Introductions and Discussions in English Written by Indonesian Researchers Published in Indonesia Between 2000 and 2016

Abstract

<p>This thesis examines Introductions and Discussions development, authors’ agency construction and argumentative transfer in research articles (RAs) in Sociology and Literature journals in English and written by Indonesian researchers published in Indonesia between 2000 and 2016. It finds that unlike the writing of English-speaking writers, Indonesian authors have a thematic approach to writing Introduction, Method, Research and Discussions sections (IMRDs) which features the model developed by John Swales in the 1990s. In the case of Indonesian scholars, there is evidence of particular trends, such as dissonant rhetoric features, lexical items, first-person pronoun usage, which may act to hinder their publication outside of Indonesia. While producing sound research and written in a formal style, Indonesian authors have developed unique ways of structuring their RA sections, as well as how they construct agency and transfer argument and knowledge compared with English speaking writers. It is argued this is due to socio-historicaland cultural reasons and to meet the expectation of editors and readers. Because of how Indonesian writers prepare their manuscripts in terms of structure and tone, it is considered they are less likely to be published in Western journals. This study suggests the need for an intercultural awakening for both Indonesian authors and English-speaking editors. Indonesians need to more clearly comprehend English-based academic cultures and incorporate this into their RAs more directly to meet the expectation of Western editors and readers. It is necessary to teach Indonesians, especially novice researchers’ strategies to produce effective composition especially of Introduction and Discussion sections, which is strong in voice and argument. Likewise, English speaking editors are encouraged to welcome multilingual writers’ ways of writing and thinking.</p>