THE FORM AND FUNCTION OF CIRCULARS IN AN ACADEMIC BUREAUCRACY

Abstract

Within Singapore bureaucracies such as the Singapore Polytechnic (SP), circulars constitute one distinct form of written communication. They are a social fact -- a kind of text to be distinguished from others which shape the institution within which they operate. In this study, I propose to show that circulars are distinct genre, at least within the Singapore Polytechnic. To do this, I will examine the functions of SP circulars and identify the underlying discourse structures and linguistic realizations in relation to the function of these circulars. A genre analysis approach has been adopted in the investigation of 70 SP circulars. The rationale for adopting this approach together with the details of the methodology and survey of the relevant literature are given in the introductory chapter. This is followed by a description of the characteristics, role and functions of SP circulars. Chapter three classifies these circulars into two categories on the basis of their content. It further shows how their discourse structures and linguistic realizations help to achieve the overall concerns of the SP administration. The relationship between the structure of circulars and the system of modality in English is discussed in chapter four. The final chapter gives the major findings of the present study, some relevant pedagogical implications and recommendations for further research.