Contrastive study of textual features in English RAs by native and Chinese writers

1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
1.2 Objectives of the present study
1.3 Significance of the present study
1.4 Organization of the book
2 THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
2.1 Introduction
2.2 The nature of RAs
2.2.1 The definition of RAs
2.2.2 English RA writing for non-native writers
2.3 Intertextuality in RAs
2.4 Models of language: a systemic functional linguistic approach
2.4.1 Systemic Functional Linguistics （SFL） as the model for analyzing texts
2. 4. 2 Different levels of meaning in SFL
2.4.3 Justifying the choice of SFL as a model
2.5 Comparative studies using Theme-Rheme analysis
2.5.1 Comparing genres
2.5.2 Comparing languages
2.5.3 Comparing native and non-native English
2.6 Summary
3 DEFINITION AND IDENTIFICATION OF THENIE
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Overview of Theme
3. 2. 1 Foundation of thematic structure: three metafunctions
3. 2. 2 The textual metafunction: Theme
3.2.3 Funcions of Theme
3.3 Many accounts of Theme-like concepts
3.3.1 Information structure and Theme
3.3.2 Topic and Theme
3.3.3 Subject and Theme
3.4 The definition of Theme
3.4.1 Halliday's definition of Theme
3.4.2 Alternative definitions of Theme
3.4.3 Subject as an obligatory element in Theme
3.4.4 Existential element as Theme
3.4.5 Theme in the present study
3.5 Summary of textual, interpersonal and topical Themes
3.5.1 Textual Themes
3.5.2 Interpersonal Themes
3.5.3 Topical Themes
3.6 Summary
4 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Research purpose and research questions
4.3.1 Selection of RAs
4.3.2 Selection of the Introduction section of the RAs
4.4 The unit of analysis: identifying T-units
4.4.1 Background on the choice of unit
4.4.2 Choice of unit in the present study
4.5 Analytical tool and methodology
5 THEME REALIZATIONS IN NATIVE AND NON-NATIVE ENGLISH RAS
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Research questions
5.3 Research method
5.3.1 Coding of Theme realization
5.3.2 Data analysis procedures
5.4 Results and discussion
5.4.1 Basic features
5.4.2 Textual Themes
5.4.3 Interpersonal Themes
5.4.4 Topical Themes
5.4.5 Multiple Themes
5.5 Summary
6 THEMATIC DEVELOPMENT IN NATIVE AND NON-NATIVE ENGLISH RAS
6.1 Introduction
6.2 The theories of thematic progression
6.2.1 Danes' original analytical categories
6.2.2 The studies of thematic progression patterns in China
6.2.3 Empirical work relating to thematic progression
6.2.4 Thematic progression patterns adopted in this study
6.3 Research questions and methodology of thematic progression
6.3.1 Research questions
6.3.2 The coding of cohesive links
6.3.3 Analysis procedure of thematic development
6.4 Thematic progression patterns in native and non-native English RAs
6.4.1 Sample analysis of one native English RA
6.4.2 Sample analysis of one non-native English RA
6.4.3 Occurrence and distribution of thematic progression patterns in native and non-native English RAs
6.5 Summary
7 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
7.1 Introduction
7.23 Summary
7.2.1 Summary of aims and methods
7.2.2 Summary of main findings
7.3.2 Implications for English teaching and learning
7.4 Limitations of the study and suggestions for further research
APPENDICES
REFERENCES