A comparative study of the linguistic manifestations of intertextuality in corporate leaders' messages of global corporations in the US and China. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ngai, Cindy Sing Bik; Singh, Rita Gill; Kwan, Becky Siu Chu
• Is Part Of: English for specific purposes. Volume 60(2020)
• Page Start: 65
• Page End: 84
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: Referential intertextuality -- Linguistics manifestation -- Corporate leaders' messages -- Move structure -- Global corporations in the US and China; English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers -- Periodicals; English language -- Business English -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; English language -- Technical English -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Anglais (Langue) -- Étude et enseignement -- Allophones -- Périodiques; Enseignement professionnel -- Périodiques; Anglais (Langue) -- Anglais commercial -- Étude et enseignement -- Périodiques; Anglais (Langue) -- Anglais technique -- Étude et enseignement -- Périodiques; English language -- Business English -- Study and teaching; English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers; English language -- Technical English -- Study and teaching; Periodicals; 428.007
• DOI: 10.1016/j.esp.2020.05.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0889-4906

Abstract

Abstract: Corporate leader messages posted by senior management play a pivotal role in building relationships with stakeholders in the professional corporate communication context and such messages often explicitly or implicitly draw on prior texts to establish credibility. This mixed methods study seeks to analyse how intertextuality is manifested linguistically through the types of intertextual links, sources of reference and move structure in leaders' messages of Fortune Global 500 corporations in the United States and China. The findings indicate that intertextuality is a prevalent feature of leader messages with intertextual references made to published corporate information using indirect speech. However, striking cross-cultural differences are noted since corporations in China often draw on direct quotes in messages whereas indirect quotes and recognisable industry/business-specific phrasing are preferred by corporations from the US. In addition, intertextuality in leaders' messages reveals ideological variations in that leaders from corporations in China make explicit intertextual references to texts on government policies and business achievements/recognition. Discussion of how intertextuality as manifested in the messages and move structure is thereby driven by the goals of corporations from different cultures concludes this study alongside wider implications for learning and teaching ESP. Highlights: Intertextuality in leader messages varies across cultures. Chinese corporate leaders prefer direct quotations. Indirect quotes are preferred by US corporate leaders. Chinese corporate leaders often refer to policies. US corporate leaders emphasise social responsibility.