IDENTIFICATION OF LEXICAL COHESION IN ACADEMIC WRITING: A SYSTEMIC FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study examines the utilization of lexical cohesion in the writings of Pakistani English learners. The participants for this investigation were English language learners from Government College University Faisalabad. The research explores the organization and patterns of lexical cohesion in the academic writing of Pakistani learners. The study involves the collection of student writings from MPhil scholars at Government College University Faisalabad, with a focus on analyzing the "introductions" of ten theses. The UAM software was employed for coding, and quantitative results provided by the UAM corpus tool were further scrutinized through the lens of Halliday's Systemic Functional Theory. The findings of this study unveil insights into the unity, overuse, under-use, distribution, frequencies, and categories of lexical cohesion in research projects. This research holds significance as it offers non-native writers recommendations on incorporating Systemic Functional Grammar to enhance cohesion in their writings. It elucidates the reasons and methods for employing cohesive lexical devices, emphasizing the importance of coherence in establishing a strong, continuous impression on the reader.