ATTITUDE AND GRADUATION IN ARTICLE ON COVID-19 – APPRAISAL THEORY APPROACH

Abstract

Based on Appraisal Theory (Martin & White, 2005), the aim of this paper is to analyze the semantic features and lexical realization of explicit Attitude and Graduation expressions a particular English articles on Covid-19. The samples comprise include 44 sentences in the Op-Ed article “We need to talk about what coronavirus recoveries look like” (The New York Times newspaper). The findings reveals that language reflects positive and negative Attitude through Affect, Judgment and Assessment; these types of expression are realized in detailed sub-types. Moreover, Graduation expressions indicate an upscale intensification and quantification. The study makes use of both qualitative and quantitative information employing descriptive method. On the basis of the findings, the article puts forward several implications and suggestions on reading comprehension, writing, translating the language of Attitude and Graduation in English learning process.