THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
An investigation into interpersonal meaning
Halliday and Matthiesen (2004), as cited in Eggins (2004: 144), state that
When we communicate using language, we are not just exchanging words; we are also building a connection between the current speaker and the likely next speaker This interaction can be analyzed through the lens of semantics, highlighting the significance of meaning in our exchanges.
According to Matthiessen (1995), the interpersonal meaning is considered to be ―a resource for enacting social roles and relationships between speaker/writer and listener/reader.‖ (1995: 17)
Meanwhile, Thompson explains the interpersonal meaning as
Language serves as a vital tool for human interaction, enabling us to build and sustain relationships, influence others' actions, express our perspectives, and provoke changes in their viewpoints.
The primary function of interpersonal meaning is to create and sustain social relationships among participants This aspect is linked to the text's tenor, which encompasses three key components: status, contact, and affect.
Interpersonal meaning mainly concerns the roles of addressers and audience, mood and modality
1.1.1.1 Speech roles and speech functions
Mood plays a crucial role in shaping the social relationship between the writer or speaker and the reader or listener Halliday (1994) identifies two fundamental speech roles: giving and demanding He further outlines four basic interpersonal positions in communicative language: providing information, requesting information, offering goods and services, and asking for goods and services These speech roles and commodities combine to create various speech functions, including offers, commands, statements, and questions, as illustrated in Table 1.1.
Commodity exchanged (a) (a) goods-&-services (b) information (i)giving ―offer‖ would you like this teapot?
―statement‖ he’s giving her the teapot (ii) demanding ―command‖ give me that teapot!
―question‖ what is he giving her?
Table 1.1 Speech functions and commodities exchanged (Halliday, 1994: 69)
The four basic speech functions are closely related with particular grammatical structures The relationship between forms of speech functions and typical mood clauses is illustrated in Table 1.2 as follows:
Speech function Typical mood in clause Command ―imperative mood‖
Would you like to have dinner with me?
It was one of Shakespeare’s works
What are you going to do tonight?
Table 1.2 Speech functions and typical mood of clause (Adapted from Eggins, 2004: 148)
In English grammar, a clause is divided into two main components: Mood and Residue The Mood element comprises the Subject and Finite, where the Subject provides the necessary context for affirming or denying the proposition (Halliday, 1994: 76) The Finite serves to define the proposition's boundaries and connects it to the context of the speech event, encompassing aspects of tense and modality within a verbal group Meanwhile, the Residue includes three functional elements: Predicator, Complement, and Adjunct, which collectively enrich the clause's meaning.
In Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG), the structure of declarative, interrogative, and imperative clauses is determined by the arrangement of the Subject and Finite elements Halliday (1994: 74) states that the Mood element, which combines the Subject and Finite, embodies the "indicative" feature Declarative clauses are typically structured with the Subject preceding the Finite.
Tom is reading Oliver Twist
An interrogative clause typically consists of two main types: polar interrogatives, which are yes/no questions that follow the structure of placing the Finite verb before the Subject, and Wh-questions, where the order varies depending on the Wh-element If the Wh-element serves as the subject, the structure is Subject before Finite; otherwise, the Finite precedes the Subject.
Wh-element conflated with Subject
Adjunct/WH- Finite Subject Predicator
According to Eggins (2004), there are four types of imperative structures: (i) an imperative without a Mood element, (ii) an imperative featuring only a Finite Mood element, (iii) an imperative containing only a Subject Mood element, and (iv) an imperative where the Finite Mood element precedes the Subject Examples illustrate these various imperative structures.
(iii) You Listen! (iv) Don’t you borrow her book!
Subject Predicator Finite Subject Predicator Complement
Halliday and Matthiesen (2004) emphasize that the Mood element, consisting of Subject and Finite, is crucial for expressing mood selection in clauses They highlight that the realization of mood varies across social and cultural contexts, noting that the Subject-Finite sequence is primarily found in certain European languages In contrast, many languages, including those in East and South-East Asia like Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Thai, often utilize tone or specific interpersonal mood particles These mood particles, which typically appear at the beginning or end of a clause, play a vital role in the interpersonal function of Negotiator.
In Vietnamese yes-no interrogative clauses, the word order remains consistent with declarative sentences, featuring the Subject preceding the Predicator without inversion Unlike English, Vietnamese questions resemble narrative sentences but frequently incorporate modal particles such as "à" and "hả," or paired adverbs like "có chưa," "có không," and "có phải không" to form inquiries This structure highlights the unique interpersonal meaning in Vietnamese yes-no questions compared to their English counterparts.
Do you know her? Anh biết cô ấy không?
Finite Subject Predicator Complement Subject Predicator Complement Mood
Mood Residue Mood Residue Mood
Thompson (2000) highlights that meaning can be conveyed through lexico-grammatical forms that have evolved from different meanings In contrast to typical mood structures, the four basic speech functions can also be expressed through less conventional structures known as grammatical metaphor of mood (Halliday, 1994) Grammatical metaphor is frequently used in everyday interactions, allowing commands, typically expressed in the imperative mood, to be articulated in various ways For instance, a command can be conveyed through direct requests like "Show me the car!" or more polite forms such as "Could you tell me where you parked the car, please?" or "It is advisable to tell me where you parked the car."
1.1.2.1 Definition and types of modality
According to Halliday (1994), modality plays a crucial role in conveying interpersonal meaning in clauses, enabling speakers to express their stance and assess the validity of a proposition Modality is a nuanced system that operates on a spectrum between positive and negative poles, reflecting the speaker's judgments and degrees of certainty By utilizing modality, speakers can navigate the grey area between affirmation and negation, effectively construing a region of uncertainty that lies beyond a simple "yes" or "no" (Halliday and Matthiessen, 2004).
Modality is classified differently according to different linguists Palmer
(1986) distinguishes two main types of modality: epistemic and root modality
Quirk et al (1985: 219) call these extrinsic (human judgment of what is or is not likely to happen) and intrinsic (some kind of intrinsic human control over events)
In Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG), modality is divided into two main categories: modalization and modulation This classification arises from the differentiation between propositions, which encompass information such as statements and questions, and proposals, which relate to goods and services, including offers and commands When information is the primary focus of exchange, expressions of modality are referred to as modal expressions.
Modalization pertains to the validity of propositions, encompassing varying degrees of probability, such as possibly, probably, and certainly, as well as usuality, including sometimes, usually, and always In contrast, modulation refers to the modality of commodities, specifically goods and services, where the clause is identified as a "proposal." This concept illustrates the speaker's confidence in the potential success of the exchange, particularly regarding obligations.
(allowed to/ supposed to/ required to) in a command and the inclination (willing to/ anxious to/ determined) in an offer
In traditional grammar, modality is primarily expressed through modal operators, commonly referred to as modal auxiliaries, such as "could," "can," "will," and "may." However, according to Halliday (1994) in Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG), there are various methods to convey modality, as demonstrated in Table 1.3.
Types of intermediacy Typical realization Example modalization probability
(possible /probable /certain) finite modal operator modal Adjunct (both the above)
They must have known They certainly knew They certainly must have known usuality (sometimes /usually /always) finite modal operator modal Adjunct (both the above)
It must always happen modulation obligation
(allowed finite modal operator passive verb Predicator
You’re required to be patient!
/supposed /required) inclination (willing /keen /determined) finite modal operator adjective Predicator
Table 1.3 Modalization and modulation (Adapted from Halliday, 1994: 91)
Tenor of job advertisements
Understanding the context of a situation is crucial, as it relates to the three meta-functions of any text Halliday (1985) defines the context of situation, or "register," as "variation according to use," indicating that specific linguistic resources are commonly employed in particular contexts In Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG), the context of situation is categorized into three elements: field, tenor, and mode.
The field of discourse is the social action in which the grammar is embedded
This article explores the nature of social action within enterprises and organizations as they communicate advertised positions It focuses on how these entities strategically share information to effectively attract potential applicants, fulfilling their recruitment goals.
The mode of discourse focuses on the role of language within a specific context, examining its intended purpose and the communication channel used, whether written or spoken This research specifically analyzes written language, as it occurs in situations where face-to-face interaction between participants, such as recruiters or advertisers and job seekers, is not anticipated.
The tenor of a discourse reveals the dynamics between participants involved in a meaningful social interaction It is intricately linked to interpersonal meaning, highlighting the importance of conducting a thorough analysis of this contextual variable.
1.2.2 Tenor: the interpersonal variable of the context of situation
Tenor refers to the linguistic aspect that identifies the presence of participants in communication, whether real or imagined As highlighted by Eggins & Slade (1997), tenor encompasses three key elements: power, contact, and affective dimensions.
Our language choices are often shaped by the perceived power dynamics in our interactions The unequal status between individuals can significantly influence how we communicate; for instance, we tend to make polite requests to those in higher positions, such as seniors, while we may issue commands to those in lower positions, like children.
Interpersonal relationships differ in the frequency and duration of interactions, which can be classified as voluntary or involuntary, and regular or intermittent This variation influences our communication style; for instance, we often use casual language with close friends and family, while we tend to be more polite and reserved with neighbors we see less frequently.
Affective involvement refers to the way we select our language based on our emotional closeness to those we are interacting with This involvement can vary from non-existent, indicating a distant or unattached relationship, to moderate levels, such as with classmates or colleagues, and can reach a high level of intimacy, as seen in relationships with lovers or family members.
Figure 1.3 The affective involvement continuum
Job advertisements serve as a unique form of communication that defines the interaction between recruiters and potential applicants While the emotional connection and direct contact in these advertisements are typically low, the power dynamics involved are complex On one hand, employers hold an authoritative position, indicating an imbalance of power Conversely, similar to other commercial advertisements, recruiters cannot compel readers to apply for a position, suggesting a more equal power relationship between advertisers and job seekers.
Job advertisements serve as a bridge between advertisers and job seekers, showcasing the advertiser's genuine intention to share details about the position while encouraging potential applicants to apply The choice of lexical and grammatical patterns significantly impacts the interpersonal meaning conveyed in these advertisements This analysis will explore how interpersonal meaning is realized in both English and Vietnamese job advertisements.
A CONTRASTIVE ANALYSIS OF INTERPERSONAL MEANING
IN ENGLISH AND VIETNAMESE JOB ADVERTISEMENTS
This chapter conducts a contrastive analysis of interpersonal meaning in English and Vietnamese job advertisements using the Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG) framework The study focuses on mood, modality, and the person system within the corpus It aims to provide insights into how interpersonal meaning is expressed in job advertisements across both languages.
A contrastive analysis in terms of mood
2.1.1 Speech roles in job advertisements and mood structures
Chapter 1 outlined the functional tenor of job advertisements and their associated mood structures that fulfill various speech functions This section will delve into the speech roles present in job advertisements, providing a thorough analysis of the specific mood structures utilized in the examples.
Job advertisements serve two primary speech roles: providing information and making demands Advertisers aim to inform potential applicants about the company, job responsibilities, qualifications, salary, benefits, and contact details while also encouraging them to apply for the position Recognizing the dual purpose of job postings, advertisers must carefully consider their language choices This article will analyze the grammatical structures used in various advertisements to understand how advertisers engage with readers through mood structures in both English and Vietnamese job ads The findings will be presented in detailed tables for clarity.
Table 2.1 Distribution and frequency of mood structures in the samples of
Table 2.2 Distribution and frequency of mood structures in the samples of
Table 2.1 and 2.2 reveal that English and Vietnamese job advertisements share similarities in mood structures, yet notable differences exist between the two cultures Both languages predominantly utilize declarative mood structures, with English at 87% and Vietnamese at 92% While imperative mood structures appear with similar frequencies in both samples, English job advertisements favor declarative structures at 50.6%, whereas Vietnamese texts prefer elliptical declarative structures at 76.2% Interrogative clauses are present in English job ads at 4.3%, but are rarely found in Vietnamese ads, which only account for 0.5% The following sections will provide a detailed analysis of these similarities and differences in the realization of various speech functions.
The declarative mood is typically recognized as the primary structure for conveying information in speech However, due to the presence of grammatical metaphors, both imperative and interrogative moods can also serve the purpose of providing information effectively.
This thesis reveals that declarative mood structures, including both declarative and elliptical forms, dominate job advertisements, accounting for 87% and 92% of instances in English and Vietnamese, respectively This prevalence indicates that advertisers favor declarative structures to convey essential information about the recruiting company, job vacancies, responsibilities, requirements, and benefits The significant presence of declaratives in the analyzed corpus underscores their effectiveness as the primary means of delivering information in job advertisements.
(1) In this role, you will be responsible for performing all tasks and communication related to the intake of patient information (E5)
(2) Anthem Education has been dedicated to making a difference in our student’s lives for over 100 years.(E10)
(3) The ideal candidate will have at least 5-7 years of storage and NAS support experience specifically with NETAPP and similar NAS devices (E12)
Công ty cổ phần Đầu tư TOPCOM là nhà phân phối xe Piaggio hàng đầu tại Việt Nam, sở hữu hơn 30 showroom và dịch vụ tại Hà Nội và TP Hồ Chí Minh.
Tại AI&T, bạn sẽ có cơ hội tiếp cận công nghệ kỹ thuật tiên tiến nhất, đồng thời đóng góp ý tưởng và phát triển các sản phẩm sáng tạo có khả năng tiếp cận người dùng toàn cầu.
Declarative sentences effectively convey a wealth of information from various perspectives For instance, they can outline the responsibilities of prospective applicants, articulate the company's educational vision, and detail job requirements Additionally, they serve as corporate advertisements, highlighting the company's public identity, while also providing comprehensive descriptions of employee benefits at AI&T.
Besides declarative structures, multiple elliptical declarative clauses are regularly adopted in the samples to give information about the responsibilities, qualifications and benefits as illustrated in the following examples
(6) Experience working with automotive or construction equipment (E6)
(7) Competitive salary and a highly attainable bonus structure (E14)
(8) Gửi khách hàng báo cáo về tính khả thi của sản phẩm mới (V1)
(9) Nói và viết tiếng Nhật hoặc tiếng Trung thành thạo (V2)
The use of elliptical declarative clauses in job advertisements effectively caters to the psychology of job seekers With the rise of economic globalization and technological advancements, a vast number of job listings are published daily across various platforms Consequently, job hunters need to efficiently sift through these listings to identify the most suitable opportunities.
Job seekers anticipate that vacancy information is clearly presented and easily accessible Utilizing elliptical declarative clauses effectively addresses this need Martin (1992) suggests that these clauses can reduce social distance in job advertisements, which lack face-to-face interaction By incorporating elliptical clauses, advertisers can foster a sense of intimacy with potential candidates, enhancing the overall appeal of the job listing.
Interrogative mood structures are infrequently used in job advertisements, with only 17 interrogative clauses identified in fifteen English job ads and just two in Vietnamese job advertising discourse While systemic-functional grammar typically associates interrogatives with asking questions and requesting information, they can also serve to convey information Examples from both Vietnamese and English corpora illustrate this dual function.
(10) Bạn là người năng động, yêu nghề, chịu đón nhận thử thách? (V4)
(11) Bạn muốn làm việc trong một môi trường năng động, có cơ hội thăng tiến, với chế độ lương thưởng hấp dẫn? (V4)
(12) Impressive? Sound good? Need more reasons to make you want to be part of our family? (E14)
(13) Where in the World is California Pizza Kitchen? (E14)
(14) What Makes California Pizza Kitchen Special? (E14)
In the analyzed corpus, two types of interrogative forms are identified: yes-no questions and WH-questions Specifically, sample 4 of Vietnamese job advertisements features two yes-no questions, while 14 out of 17 interrogative clauses in English job ads are also yes-no questions These clauses do not seek information; instead, they serve to inform potential employees about the job requirements and benefits The primary aim of these questions is to capture the readers' attention and highlight the key features of the job vacancy Notably, Example (12) showcases three elliptical yes-no questions, each followed by a self-reply from the writer, enhancing engagement and interest.
Need more reasons to make you want to be part of our family? Okay, keep reading!)
In Examples 13 and 14, two WH-interrogative clauses are presented, which can be readily addressed within the text due to the subsequent introduction of the company The author poses these questions and provides answers, effectively conveying information about the company while also expressing a sense of pride in its achievements.
Imperative mood structures not only serve to demand action but also play a crucial role in conveying information within job advertisements.
(15) Please provide us with a cover letter and resume, indicating the position for which you are applying+your compensation history/requirements (E2)
(16) For more information and to apply please see: www.austincityjobs.org (E6)
Các ứng viên có nhu cầu ứng tuyển vui lòng nộp hồ sơ trực tiếp tại trụ sở Công ty Cổ phần Đầu tư Phát triển Máy Việt Nam Để biết thêm thông tin, liên hệ với chị Dung tại phòng HCNS Địa chỉ công ty: Đoàn Lộ, Yên Nghĩa.
A contrastive analysis in terms of modality
Halliday (1994) identifies mood and modality as key components that express interpersonal meaning in discourse analysis Modality involves the negotiation of propositions and proposals, balancing between positive and negative polarity It encompasses various methods through which speakers can adjust or qualify their messages (Eggins & Slade, 1997) Halliday further categorizes modality into modalization and modulation based on different communicative functions This article will explore the application of these categories in conveying interpersonal meaning within English and Vietnamese job advertisements.
Modalization, as discussed in section 1.1.2, refers to the likelihood or frequency of a proposition's truth as perceived by the speaker or writer, with probability denoting likelihood and usuality indicating frequency According to Halliday (1994), both finite modal operators and modal adjuncts effectively convey these concepts of probability and usuality Additionally, modality can be expressed through metaphorical means, which will be further analyzed in the subsequent sections.
Probability means how likely the speaker/writer thinks to be true Probability is realized in the corpus in the different ways as follows:
English job advertisements Vietnamese job advertisements expression frequency percent expression frequency percent modal operator low can 6 24% có thể
1 8% may 1 could 2 median will/won’t 20 61% sẽ
12 92% would 2 should 1 high must 4 10% 0 0% modal adjunct
Table 2.3 Distribution and frequency of probability in English and Vietnamese job advertisements
Both English and Vietnamese job advertisements predominantly utilize modal operators to express probability, with English samples featuring 36 instances and Vietnamese samples 13 This indicates a higher frequency of modal operators in English advertisements Furthermore, low and median value modal operators comprise the majority, accounting for 85% in English and 100% in Vietnamese ads This trend suggests that both languages favor a consultative, hypothetical, and suggestive tone over a compulsive, affirmative, and absolute one in their job postings.
In English job advertisements, the modal operator "will" is the most frequently used, and its Vietnamese equivalent "sẽ" also ranks highest in usage This highlights the importance of using modal operators to express probability in job listings.
(31) Các hồ sơ không đạt sẽ không được trả lại (V3)
(32) Đến với AI&T, bạn sẽ có những cơ hội lớn trong việc tiếp cận các công nghệ kỹ thuật mới nhất (V11)
(33) Ứng viên trúng tuyển sẽ làm việc tại thành phố Ninh Bình-tỉnh Ninh Bình (V13)
(34) This application process will take approximately15-20 minutes to complete (E5)
(35) Not only will you learn of jobs not advertised elsewhere, you’ll enjoy full confidentiality and an appropriate audience at best-in-class employers (E11)
(36) This person will develop applications and system integrations to support business applications (E15)
The modal operator "will" in English and "sẽ" in Vietnamese serves to convey predictions, beliefs, or intentions about future events, particularly in job advertisements Lyon (1997) highlights its "promissory" use, where the writer acts as a guarantor of the event's occurrence In job ads, these modals specify the duties expected of future employees, the benefits they will receive, and details about the recruitment process For example, they indicate that only qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews and outline application timelines Additionally, they express the potential rewards of the position and clarify job responsibilities, helping applicants determine their suitability for the role and streamlining the selection process.
English job advertisements utilize a wider variety of modal operators to express probability compared to Vietnamese job ads While English ads frequently incorporate modal verbs such as will, would, should, can, may, and could, Vietnamese ads predominantly rely on the low median operator có thể (may) The modal operators used in English convey varying degrees of probability, with these terms suggesting likelihood rather than certainty.
(37) You would be joining a team that is passionate about education and the lives we touch every day (E10)
(38) California Pizza Kitchen could be your new home (E14)
(39) An environment where you can express your unique talents and skills (E14)
(40) Experience may substitute for the education to a maximum of four years (E6)
(41) Food isn’t meant to be timeless; it should be a surprising yet accessible (E14)
(42) Có thể đi công tác xa, dài ngày (V10)
The high modal operator must is only employed in English job advertisements in the following instances:
(43) Your attitude must be positive, flexible, and focused, with an emphasis on a can do, hands on approach and philosophy (E2)
(44) You must be a passionate about your work (E3)
(45) So must enjoy small town living (E7)
The modal operator "must" is primarily utilized to outline essential qualifications for a position Its strong probability connotation suggests that this aspect of job advertisements is serious and unequivocal, leaving no room for ambiguity.
It indicates that these requirements need to be emphasized and get special attention from the job hunters if they want to be future employees of the recruiting company
Halliday (1994) states that modal adjuncts serve to express modality However, an analysis of English and Vietnamese corpora reveals an absence of modal adjuncts like "certainly," "possibly," and "probably" in discussions of probability Additionally, interpersonal metaphor appears in only 6% of the English samples analyzed.
(46) Sound good? We think so! (E14)
(47) We know that it takes much more than a skill set to get the job done (E15)
In English advertising, advertisers often make judgments about their products, employing a subjective explicit orientation to highlight their ideas and take responsibility for their claims This approach emphasizes the core advantages and information of their offerings, enhancing consumer understanding and positioning the advertisers favorably in consumer interactions For instance, in the provided job advertisements, the advertiser expresses a positive judgment regarding the features of their organization, showcasing the effectiveness of this strategy.
The advertiser believes that the job necessitates more than just skills By incorporating phrases like "I think" and "I know," the advertiser highlights personal opinions, encouraging potential candidates to align with these views Utilizing interpersonal modality enhances the advertiser's assertions, boosting credibility and attracting more job seekers.
Usuality refers to the frequency with which a proposition stated by the speaker or writer is considered true This concept is often conveyed through modal adjuncts like "usually," "sometimes," and "always." However, in Vietnamese samples, usuality is rarely represented by only three modal operators, and it is absent in English samples The analysis of the corpus reveals these findings on the expression of usuality.
(48) ITECHCOMBANK với sứ mệnh trở thành ngân hàng tốt nhất và doanh nghiệp hàng đầu Việt Nam, luôn đi đầu trong việc ứng dụng công nghệ tiên tiến.(V5)
(49) Chúng tôi luôn nỗ lực để cán bộ nhân viên có điều kiện làm việc tốt nhất (V6)
(50) Với phương châm luôn trọng dụng nhân tài, lấy yếu tố con người làm trung tâm cho sự phát triển bền vững (V10)
In the examples provided, the modal operator "luôn" is strategically used by recruiters to convey that their company is a leader in technology application aimed at enhancing customer service Additionally, this modal operator emphasizes the company's ongoing commitment to offering optimal working conditions and benefits, which supports employee development By highlighting these aspects, the advertiser effectively attracts talented individuals to apply for positions within the organization.
Modulation, as defined by Halliday (1994), encompasses obligation and inclination Obligation pertains to the extent of pressure the speaker exerts on another to comply with a command, while inclination reflects the speaker's willingness to fulfill an offer.
Obligation is realized in the corpus in the different ways as follows:
English job advertisements Vietnamese job advertisements expression frequency percent expression frequency percent Finite modal operator high must 9 43% phải (must) 1 86% cần (need) 5 median should 2 9% 0
Passive verb predicator required 9 43% yêu cầu
Table 2.4 Distribution and frequency of obligation in English and Vietnamese job advertisements
Research indicates that English and Vietnamese job advertisements commonly utilize finite modal operators to express obligation In English ads, the modal operator "must" is the most frequently used, whereas it appears only once in Vietnamese ads Conversely, the Vietnamese modal operator "cần" is predominant, with its English equivalent "need" not being present.
Để đảm bảo hoạt động sản xuất kinh doanh hiệu quả sau khi nhà máy chính thức đi vào vận hành, công ty chúng tôi đang tìm kiếm ứng viên cho các vị trí cần thiết.
(52) Chúng tôi đang cần tuyển dụng những nhân sự có năng lực, tâm huyết đồng hành cùng sự phát triển của TOPCOM (V6)
(53) Hồ sơ phải đầy đủ (Bằng Tiếng Việt) (V10)
(54) To be considered for this position, you must apply online at www.austincityjobs.org (E6)
(55) Qualified candidates must have experience in both Agricultural and Commercial lines of credit and underwriting experience (E7)
(56) Must be at least 18 years of age (E9)
A contrastive analysis in terms of the person system
Interpersonal meaning is conveyed through the person system, as highlighted by Carter (1997), who notes that personal pronouns reflect the writer's treatment of characters and shape the relationship with the reader Halliday (1994) further emphasizes that interpersonal meaning is expressed not only through mood and modality but also through pronouns and possessives, illustrating how these elements function as both personal references and deictic indicators.
Job advertisements primarily involve the interaction between recruiters and job seekers, with the person system playing a crucial role in conveying the recruiter’s attitude This system, which includes first, second, and third person perspectives, significantly influences the level of closeness or distance in their relationship By analyzing the person system, we can gain insights into the interpersonal dynamics at play in job advertisements The following table provides an overview of the person system's usage within the examined corpus, highlighting its application in both English and Vietnamese.
Types English job advertisements Vietnamese job advertisements
Expression Frequency Percent Expression Frequency Percent First
I 1 57% 63% we, us 79 chúng tôi (we, us) 19 our 73 của chúng tôi (our) 3
Person you 69 35% bạn, các bạn (you) 9 34% your 24 của bạn/của mình
Person they, them 8 8% 3% their, its 14 của mình(its) 1
Table 2.6 Distribution and frequency of the person system in English and Vietnamese job advertisements
The analysis of job advertisements reveals both similarities and differences in the use of personal pronouns between English and Vietnamese Notably, first-person pronouns are the most frequently used, comprising 57% in English and 63% in Vietnamese, while third-person pronouns are the least common, at 8% in English and 3% in Vietnamese However, a significant distinction lies in the total number of personal pronouns used, with English advertisements featuring 268 pronouns compared to just 35 in Vietnamese, indicating that English job advertisers utilize personal pronouns more extensively Additionally, Vietnamese job ads often use the term "của mình," which typically translates to "my," but can also refer to "your" or "its" depending on the context Further analysis will be provided in subsequent sections.
In English job advertisements, first person pronouns account for 57% of all pronouns used, predominantly in the plural form such as "we," "us," and "our," with the singular "I" appearing only once Similarly, in Vietnamese job ads, first person pronouns represent 63% of usage, exclusively in the plural form "chúng tôi." This prevalence of plural pronouns reflects the nature of job advertising discourse, where the advertisements are crafted by advertisers representing a business or public entity, emphasizing a collective identity rather than an individual.
In communication, the use of inclusive and exclusive language plays a crucial role in shaping the relationship between the writer and the reader (Buhler, 1990 as cited in Li 2001:130) Inclusive language creates a sense of belonging, assuming the reader aligns with the writer's perspective, while exclusive language delineates a group that excludes the reader In Vietnamese, different terms for "we" convey varying connotations and distinctions between inclusive and exclusive forms For instance, "chúng tôi" and "chúng ta" are used in polite contexts, whereas "chúng tao" is considered vulgar, and "chúng mình" denotes intimacy The terms "chúng tôi" and "chúng tao" are exclusive, excluding the addressed subject, while "chúng mình" and "chúng ta" are inclusive, fostering a connection with the reader.
In job advertisements, the writer represents an institution that the job seeker does not belong to, using exclusive pronouns like "we" in English and "chúng tôi" in Vietnamese.
Sự phát triển bền vững của công ty tạo cơ hội cho bạn thử thách bản thân và nâng cao kỹ năng, kiến thức trong lĩnh vực kinh doanh.
(67) Chỉ nhận hồ sơ bản mềm qua địa chỉ email bằng cách nhấn vào nút Nộp đơn bên dưới để gửi trực tiếp đến chúng tôi (V15)
(68) Please provide us with a cover letter and resume, indicating the position for which you are applying+your compensation history/requirements (E2)
(69) We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time (E7)
The use of first-person pronouns such as "we," "our," and "us" effectively establishes a connection between the recruiting company and potential employees, creating a sense of sincerity and approachability These pronouns are instrumental in conveying the company's background, employee benefits, and application procedures Additionally, the exclusive use of "we" positions the recruiter as an authoritative figure, emphasizing their confidence and creating a sense of obligation for job seekers to engage with the opportunity presented.
The second person pronoun is used to address the listener in spoken communication and the reader in written texts In the context of job advertisements, these pronouns specifically target the intended audience, which primarily consists of job seekers.
The analysis reveals that second person pronouns are prominently utilized, accounting for 35% in English and 34% in Vietnamese, making them the second most common pronouns after first person pronouns Here are some representative examples showcasing the use of second person pronouns.
Tại TECHCOMBANK, mọi đóng góp của bạn đều được công nhận và khuyến khích thông qua chính sách đãi ngộ hấp dẫn, phúc lợi vượt trội và cơ hội thăng tiến rõ ràng.
(71) Gia nhập vào đội ngũ nhân viên của Nhà hàng DWok là bạn sẽ tìm thấy đam mê trong công việc, nơi bạn tìm thấy khả năng của mình (V8)
(72) Are you looking for a role where demands are high, but so is job satisfaction? (E10)
(73)) Show us your customer skills and we will teach you the rest (E11)
In job advertisements, the use of second-person pronouns effectively engages readers, ensuring they feel directly addressed and involved This choice of personal pronouns fosters a sense of closeness between the writer and the audience, highlighting the writer's intention to actively engage and invite participation By constructing an ideal reader in their mind, advertisers can capture attention and facilitate a conversational dynamic, ultimately nurturing a close relationship with job seekers.
The third person pronouns cover the lowest percentage in the corpus They are mostly used to refer to the same person or object mentioned in a discourse
TECHCOMBANK đã nỗ lực không ngừng và vinh dự nhận được nhiều giải thưởng quốc tế danh giá từ các tổ chức uy tín trong lĩnh vực tài chính ngân hàng.
(75) Salary is commensurate with experience and our client offers their employees and their families a comprehensive benefits package (E4)
(76) The City of Austin, TX is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce (E6)
(77) Gpac is currently working with a fast growing bank in Northern North Dakota that is looking to add a Ag Lender to their team (E7)
The possessive expression "của mình" in Example (74) refers to TECHCOMBANK rather than the job seeker, indicating the company's efforts to attract candidates In contrast, the plural pronoun "their" in Example (75) pertains to the company's customers, while "its" and "their" in Examples (76) and (77) refer back to the recruiting company By utilizing third-person pronouns, the advertiser creates a sense of distance from the company, adopting an objective observer role to enhance the persuasiveness of the message.
A comparative analysis of thirty English and Vietnamese job advertisements reveals both similarities and differences in the use of personal pronouns Both languages predominantly utilize first and second person pronouns, fostering a sense of dialogue between advertisers and potential applicants, thereby reducing the distance between them Additionally, both English and Vietnamese job advertisers employ exclusive pronouns like "we" and "chúng tôi," along with third person pronouns, to convey authority and objectivity However, English job advertisements tend to incorporate a higher frequency of personal pronouns compared to their Vietnamese counterparts, resulting in more conversational dynamics within English ads.
Recapitulation
This thesis conducts a contrastive analysis of interpersonal meaning in English and Vietnamese job advertisements online, utilizing systemic functional grammar as its theoretical framework It begins by outlining the study's rationale, significance, aims, and methodology Chapter 1 provides an overview of interpersonal meaning, focusing on the situational context and tenor specific to job advertisements The research includes a comprehensive analysis of mood, modality, and the person system in both languages Through this detailed examination, the researcher investigates how advertisers engage with job seekers through language, highlighting the similarities and differences in the expression of interpersonal meaning between English and Vietnamese job ads.
In job advertisements, declarative structures dominate both English and Vietnamese corpuses, primarily serving to provide information about job vacancies and prompt action from potential applicants However, English job ads frequently utilize imperatives, interrogatives, and conditional structures to foster a sense of dialogue, thereby reducing the social distance between employers and job seekers In contrast, Vietnamese job advertisements rarely incorporate these elements, resulting in a diminished sense of intimacy and interaction between recruiting companies and job hunters.
In both the English and Vietnamese corpora, probability and obligation are prioritized over usuality and inclination, highlighting the importance of truthfulness in propositions for recruiters and job seekers Notably, the English corpus shows a significantly higher frequency of obligation compared to inclination, while in the Vietnamese corpus, both obligation and inclination appear with equal frequency.
In both English and Vietnamese job advertisements, the use of personal pronouns reflects a desire for authority and objectivity Both languages favor the first-person pronouns, followed by second-person pronouns, fostering a dialogue between recruiters and applicants that enhances intimacy and reduces social distance However, Vietnamese job ads tend to use personal pronouns less frequently than their English counterparts, resulting in fewer conversational exchanges.
Job advertisements in both English and Vietnamese share a common goal of soft-selling, providing essential information about the company and job vacancies while encouraging applicants to apply This similarity arises from the comparable linguistic features of both languages, including typical mood structures, modal expressions, and person systems that convey interpersonal meaning However, differences emerge from cultural and linguistic disparities; a single English word or phrase may have multiple Vietnamese equivalents and vice versa Western cultures often favor direct communication and individualism, while Vietnamese culture leans towards indirect expression and collectivism English advertisers frequently utilize interrogative, imperative, and conditional structures, along with personal pronouns and interpersonal metaphors, to create dialogue In contrast, Vietnamese advertisers, despite their authority, tend to adopt a more polite tone, using declarative statements and a less compelling approach.
Implications of the study
The following implications can be made from the research:
Research indicates that systemic functional grammar is applicable for analyzing advertising discourse, including job advertisements, in both English and Vietnamese contexts.
This study highlights the importance of crafting effective job advertisements for recruiting companies, emphasizing that a well-written ad can attract promising talent Advertisers are encouraged to utilize declarative and interrogative sentences, as they engage readers without imposing pressure Additionally, using inclination structures can effectively convey the rewards and benefits of the position Incorporating personal pronouns fosters a sense of dialogue between advertisers and potential employees Furthermore, this research aids job seekers in filtering advertisements, enabling them to identify the most suitable opportunities.
This research is valuable for writing, translation, and linguistics classes In writing courses, instructors should emphasize the importance of analyzing job advertisements to craft effective application letters, noting the differences in interpersonal meaning between English and Vietnamese ads In translation classes, students should be guided to convert English imperative structures into more polite declarative forms in Vietnamese, adjust tones from obligation to inclination, and prefer active voice over passive while minimizing personal pronouns to reduce confusion Additionally, in linguistics classes that introduce Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG), this research can provide a practical framework for students to analyze real-life texts.
Limitations and suggestions for further study
This study has several limitations, including a small corpus size of only 30 job advertisements, which suggests that more texts should be incorporated for a comprehensive analysis Additionally, the data was exclusively sourced from websites, indicating that exploring different media could provide valuable insights for future research Furthermore, the focus was limited to three aspects: mood, modality, and the person system, while other methods for conveying interpersonal meaning exist Therefore, employing a combination of perspectives in the study of interpersonal meaning is recommended for a more holistic understanding.
In "Working with Texts," Carter (1997) explores the intricacies of textual analysis, emphasizing the importance of understanding context in literature Complementing this, Đỗ Long and Phan Thị Mai Hương (2002) examine the concepts of collectivism and individualism in contemporary Vietnam, shedding light on the evolving notion of "the self" within Vietnamese society Their works collectively highlight the interplay between cultural values and individual identity in a globalized world.
In the realm of linguistics, significant contributions have been made by scholars such as Eggins and Halliday Eggins' "An Introduction to Systemic Functional Linguistics" (2004) provides a comprehensive overview of systemic functional theory, while "Analyzing Casual Conversation" (1997) co-authored with Slade, delves into the intricacies of everyday dialogue Halliday's foundational work, "An Introduction to Functional Grammar" (1985), lays the groundwork for understanding the functional aspects of language structure Together, these texts offer valuable insights into the dynamics of language and communication.
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Political advertisements play a significant role in Nigerian newspapers, influencing public perception and voter behavior during elections The analysis of these advertisements reveals their strategic use of language and imagery to convey political messages effectively According to Palmer (1986), the mood and modality in these ads are crucial in shaping the audience's understanding and emotional response This study highlights the intersection of media, politics, and society, emphasizing the importance of critical engagement with political content in print media.
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Yan and Li (2007) conducted a study examining the interpersonal meaning conveyed in job advertisements on the internet Their research, published in the Journal of Anhui Agricultural University (Social Science Edition), highlights how language in job postings influences potential applicants' perceptions and responses The findings underscore the importance of effective communication in attracting suitable candidates, emphasizing the role of interpersonal dynamics in the recruitment process For further details, the study can be accessed online at the provided link.
(Notice: The following English job advertisements are from www.jobmonster.com)
E1-http://jobview.monster.com/director-of-financial-planning-job-houston-tx-us-
Anybody can have a job, but we'll give you a career
Room for advancement, training and development and the ability to thrive in a fast paced ever changing environment
We are CURRENTLY HIRING a Director of Financial Planning to contribute their talents to our growing Finance team
- Spearhead the annual budget process
- Spearhead the monthly projection process
- Analyze data to explain trends and variances from plan/forecast
- Prepare, provide and present reports to management and make recommendations
- Provide in-depth analysis of business results, identifying emerging opportunities
- Provide valuable insight into our Digital efforts
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field required
- 3+ years experience in managing staff
- 2+ years experience in Digital analytics
- 5+ years experience in financial analysis and reporting
- Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with all levels in the organization
- Excellent consultative and presentation skills
- Strong attention to detail, along with effective oral and written communication skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
- Competitive salary and benefits package to include
- Medical, dental, vision, life insurance
- Short/Long term disability -Generous paid time off
- Opportunity to work for one of the nation's largest diversified media and information organizations
Apply to: https://hearstnewspaperscareerlinks.silkroad.com/
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer
Our employees enjoy a competitive base salary along with commission and bonus incentives, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision plans, flexible benefits, life insurance, a wellness policy, disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan Additional perks include access to a credit union, vacation days, holidays, and paid time off (PTO).
Hearst Corporation is one of the nation's largest diversified media companies, with newspaper, magazine, broadcast, interactive media and syndication divisions It publishes
15 daily newspapers and top magazines, and operates television and radio stations, business to business information services and electronic databases
E2-http://jobview.monster.com/office-manager-job-glastonbury-ct-us-126949290.aspx
OperationsInc is a human resources consulting firm assisting a rapidly growing Microsoft-based software solutions company in Glastonbury, CT, which was recognized as Microsoft’s fastest growing retail partner in 2012 and is currently experiencing an impressive 30% annual growth To support their expansion, they are seeking to hire an Office Manager, and OperationsInc has been retained to help find the most qualified candidate for this key position.
In this multi-faceted role your diverse responsibilities will include Marketing, Inside Sales and Light Accounting & Bookkeeping
Ideal candidates should demonstrate a robust understanding of business and client services, coupled with a positive, adaptable attitude Emphasizing a proactive and hands-on approach is essential for success in this role.
Provide marketing support to the President and Sales staff as needed
Prepare marketing materials, mailers, brochures and e-mail marketing
Coordinate industry trade shows and events
Inside sales support including providing sales quotes processing orders
Respond to potential new client inquiries and fulfill requests as necessary Manage accounts payable and receivables in Quickbooks
Minimum 2-3 years of experience supporting a busy office environment and interfacing with customers
Knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Publisher and Outlook); QuickBooks and Excel; knowledge of contact database software ACT a plus
Strong organizational skills, attention-to-detail, flexibility, and in-depth knowledge of general business operations
Salary is commensurate with experience and our client offers their employees and their families a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical andretirement benefits, private parking, and the dress is casual
Qualified candidates can email us at jobs@syssolutionsllc.com Please provide us with a cover letter and resume, indicating the position for which you are applying + your compensation history/requirements
E3-http://jobview.monster.com/general-manager-123print-job-waynesboro-pa-us-
123Print is on the lookout for a seasoned leader with a proven track record in building and managing online businesses driven by internet sales If you possess strong sales skills, strategic planning abilities, and a hands-on coaching approach, we want you to help elevate our company to new heights.
We seek passionate individuals who can inspire others and confidently lead our team with proven people skills As a forward-thinking visionary, you will have the opportunity to implement fresh ideas that drive profitable business growth and enhance our presence in key market channels Building and nurturing essential relationships with customers and suppliers will be crucial to your role Join us at 123Print, a standalone business supported by the globally recognized Taylor Corporation, where your contributions can dramatically influence our success.
Successful experience leading an e-commerce business which transacts business over the web
Ability to positively influence people
Understanding and experience selling goods in the small business retailmarket place
Demonstrated leadership and communication abilities, across both large and small organizations
Entrepreneurial spirit to drive business goals & objectives
Ability to translate vision and strategy into process-based execution and results
Since 2006, 123Print has established itself as a leader in the personalized printing marketplace, enabling customers to express their creativity stylishly and affordably The company offers professional business identity and marketing products with same-day service and low-cost shipping For more information, visit www.123Print.com, and to learn about our parent company, Taylor Corporation, please visit www.taylorcorp.com.
E4-http://jobview.monster.com/fire-sprinkler-design-manager-job-omaha-ne-us-
We are a growing company and we need you!
We are looking for a Fire Sprinkler Design Manager to lead the division We offer a phenomenal benefits package and starting salaries as well as a great team atmosphere and transparent management
We are looking for a positive personality who has a "can do" attitude and approaches every day with a hunger to succeed
We are located in Eastern South Dakota; relocation would be required for this position
Oversee projects from initial estimates through completion
Guide the education and certification of field staff
Participate in project scheduling, budgeting, and forecasting as the Division representative
Able to assist in estimating and design of projects
NICET II or III qualified
Estimating software experience to include CAD
Previous experience with both wet and dry systems, pre-action and deluge systems
2+ years of experience in a supervisory role
This is a true growth opportunity for an experienced Fire Sprinkler Designer; don't miss out
Click the link to apply now, or call Darrin TeBeest directly at 605-978-5477 to confidentially discuss this position Relocation to Eastern South Dakota is required for this opportunity
GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is a prestigious search firm with 23 years of experience in connecting top professionals with various industries across the United States Renowned for our competitiveness and client-centric approach, we pride ourselves on delivering timely and effective solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients.
E5-http://jobview.monster.com/customer-service-representative-patient-care- respiratory-services-medical-equipment-job-ft-myers-fl-us-128112616.aspx
Since 1981, Rotech has established itself as a national leader in home medical equipment and respiratory services, including nebulizer medications for at-home use With over 4,500 dedicated employees, Rotech ensures high-quality service and professional patient care across approximately 500 locations in 48 states nationwide.
Customer Service Representative - Patient Care/Respiratory
Join the Leader in the Home Healthcare Industry!
Let us be Your Road to Success
Rotech Healthcare Inc is seeking a dedicated Customer Service
As a representative dedicated to improving patients' lives, you will be responsible for managing all aspects of patient information intake related to durable medical equipment and respiratory services Your role will involve effective communication and coordination to ensure quality service delivery.
Communicates with patients/clients and referral sources both verbally and in writing to ensure patient/client questions and concerns are processed in a timely manner
Coordinates all patient information, processes paperwork, including preparation of file for Billing Department, and completes batch reports for UPS deliveries
Complies with all applicable company policies and procedures to meet JCAHO and company standards
Processes paperwork-confirms tickets, inputs new patient set-ups, and assembles charts
Completes SOPs/CMNs and documents on tracking log
Verifies Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance coverage information
Clears previous day’s route and checks all paperwork for accuracy and completeness
Prepares deposit for location on a weekly basis
Provides service for all retail/walk-in equipment requests
High school diploma or GED equivalent
Employment is contingent upon a drug screening test and background investigation
Experience in medical field and administrative record management
Knowledge of medical billing practices
Knowledge of insurance policies and requirements
Career Path and Management opportunities
Health and wellness benefits to include medical, dental, prescription and vision plans, short term and long term disability, supplemental life insurance and flexible spending accounts
Take the first step towards your future by reaching out to us today! Completing the application process will take around 15-20 minutes Our hiring manager will assess your resume and get in touch if your qualifications align with our requirements Thank you for considering a career with Rotech Healthcare Inc.