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An Analysis of Dissertation Abstracts Written by Non-native English Speakers at a Serbian University: Differences and Similarities Across Disciplines

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University Writing in Central and Eastern Europe: Tradition, Transition, and Innovation

Part of the book series: Multilingual Education ((MULT,volume 29))

Abstract

This paper deals with functional variation of language in the scientific context. The research was performed using a corpus of abstracts across various disciplines from the Digital library of the University of Novi Sad. The lengths, kinds, frequencies, and positions of moves applied in the selected abstracts were examined. Differences and similarities of moves between different scientific areas were identified and discussed. The employed methodology consisted of Hyland’s (Disciplinary discourses: Social interactions in academic writing. Longman, London, 2000) five-move model, including the move recognition criteria. Findings showed optional structures, which indicated differences among various disciplines. There were also some similarities, such as cycled patterns, that were influenced by Serbian cultural conventions. Examining the linguistic properties of dissertation abstracts can help teachers to improve their learning methods in English for specific purposes by extending the range of their pedagogical material in the domain of contemporary academic writing.

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Correspondence to Marina Katic .

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Katic, M., Safranj, J. (2018). An Analysis of Dissertation Abstracts Written by Non-native English Speakers at a Serbian University: Differences and Similarities Across Disciplines. In: Chitez, M., Doroholschi, C., Kruse, O., Salski, Ł., Tucan, D. (eds) University Writing in Central and Eastern Europe: Tradition, Transition, and Innovation. Multilingual Education, vol 29. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95198-0_16

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95198-0_16

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