TED Talks: Analyzing the Rhetorical Structure of the Genre from the Perspective of Move Theory

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21747/21833958/red14a5

Keywords:

TED talks, Genre Analysis, Move Analysis Theory, Online Discourse, Oral Genres

Abstract

This article explores the rhetorical structure of TED Talks, a popular form of online discourse, through a theoretical framework based on Swales' move analysis. Drawing on previous studies and employing a corpus study approach, the article investigates the main moves and rhetorical steps within TED Talks, focusing on their communicative purposes. The results reveal a non-linear organization of rhetorical elements, reflecting the oral nature and adaptability of the genre. It is noteworthy that elements such as audience orientation and speaker presentation show flexibility in their arrangement, emphasizing the speaker's authority and engagement. The recurrent use of exemplification emerges as a significant rhetorical strategy, facilitating the audience's understanding of complex concepts. The study also raises questions about the genre's independence, rhetorical consistency across scientific domains, and communicative goals, suggesting avenues for further research.

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Author Biography

Victoria Isrigova, Universidade do Porto

Doutoranda em Estudos em Ciências da Linguagem pela Universidade do Porto (Portugal).

References

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Published

28-07-2024

How to Cite

Isrigova, V. (2024). TED Talks: Analyzing the Rhetorical Structure of the Genre from the Perspective of Move Theory. Redis: Revista De Estudos Do Discurso, (14), 111–134. https://doi.org/10.21747/21833958/red14a5

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