Abstract
Using a corpus-based register approach, this study explores language use of authentic and TV courtroom discourse through the lens of WH-questions, with a focus on direct and cross-examinations. Results show that in addition to differences as a result of these two discourse settings (i.e., authentic and TV courtroom), WH-questions accomplish different goals across the registers of direct and cross-examinations. For example, WH-questions are avoided in authentic cross-examinations, while in TV courtroom discourse WH-questions are used to engage viewers. Results explore how the different communicative purposes of authentic and TV courtroom settings impact the use of WH-questions in direct and cross-examinations.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-20 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Journal | DELTA Documentacao de Estudos em Linguistica Teorica e Aplicada |
Volume | 36 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2020 |
Keywords
- communicative purpose
- corpus based register approach
- courtroom discourse
- discursos de tribunais
- Palavras-chave:abordagem de registros baseada em corpus
- propósitos comunicativos
- use of WH-questions
- uso das wh-questions
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Linguistics and Language