Textual Organisation of RP Introductions in Kalhotyra: a Contrastive Study

Abstract

The paper analyses the textual organisation of linguistic research paper (RP) introductions produced by non-native speakers of English and published in the journal Kalbotyra in two periods - 1970s and 1990s. The analysis is based on the well-established CARS (Create a Research Space) model elaborated by John Swales. There are two parameters taken into consideration - representation and arrangement of moves and steps, structural parts of a RP introduction. The least representative in both periods turned out to be Move 2, or establishing a niche. In terms of steps, the most frequent step in both periods seems to be announcing present research. 1970s seem to have given preference to the steps other than gap filling or reviewing previous research their frequency is much higher in the 1990s. The feature is concerned with a different understanding of academic discourse community, access to Western writing traditions influence of Russian schools and requirements of the journal.