Sentence and Speech Functions of Action-Request Sentences in School Letter Documents

Abstract

Based on speech function theory, a functional survey was conducted on 4,591 action-request sentences found in 642 school letters. The results demonstrated that 36% of the surveyed sentences were non-explicit, such as “eventive description,” among 18 sentence functions. The speech function analysis revealed 1,887 sentences with “indirect” and non-behavior-oriented speech functions. In other words, 40% of the action-request sentences failed to match the form and function. Parents need to make analogies regarding the function and content of sentences. This results in difficulties in implementing actions that align appropriately with the teacher’s intentions and expectations.