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In:Expanding Horizons in Systemic Functional Linguistics: Interdisciplinary applications, multimodality, and theoretical advances
Edited by Claudia E. Stoian and Christian M.I.M. Matthiessen
[Studies in Functional and Structural Linguistics 80] 2027
► pp. 63–81

Chapter 3
Appraisal in action

Mapping attitudinal meaning in viva examiners’ evaluations

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Abstract
This book chapter explores the underutilized yet promising application of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) in analysing oral academic discourse, focusing on applied linguistics doctoral defence sessions in Iran. Despite the prevalence of SFL in examining written academic texts, its application to high-stakes oral interactions has been sparse. This study bridges the gap by utilizing Martin and White’s (2005) Appraisal Framework to investigate the attitudinal resources — Affect, Judgment, and Appreciation — employed by doctoral defence examiners. Drawing from transcripts of Iranian doctoral defences, this study examines how linguistic choices reflect evaluative attitudes, foster professional engagement, and create collegial atmospheres during critical interactions. The findings of this study highlight discursive positivity of the examiners as an evaluation inclination which underscores the relevance of SFL in understanding complex academic interactions and has pedagogical implications for academics, particularly novice examiners.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Methodology
    • 2.1The corpus
    • 2.2Theoretical framework
    • 2.3Data analysis procedures
  • 3.Findings and discussion
    • 3.1Key attitudinal patterns in examiner discourse
      • 3.1.1Textual and intellectual evaluation through Appreciation
      • 3.1.2Emotional and interpersonal positioning through affect
      • 3.1.3Social and ethical evaluation through Judgment
  • 4.Conclusions
  • Acknowledgment
  • References
References (23)
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