Interpersonal Meaning in English for Computer Reading Texts

Abstract

In the perspective of systemic functional linguistics (SFL), interpersonal meaning is realized through the mood system, which reflects how language is used to exchange information, goods, and services. This study aims to examine the interpersonal realization of lexicogrammatical features in the reading texts of an English for Computer textbook used by university students in Indonesia. The study employed qualitative content analysis, with data drawn from 10 reading texts in an English for Computer textbook (ECT). The data consisted of 628 clauses, which were analyzed based on the mood system, particularly the distribution of declarative, interrogative, and imperative clauses and their interpersonal functions. The findings reveal that the reading texts are predominantly characterized by declarative clauses, indicating that the texts primarily serve an information-giving function. Interrogative and imperative clauses occur less frequently, suggesting limited use of language for demanding information or directing readers to perform particular actions. The predominance of declarative mood reflects the pedagogical orientation of the textbook towards presenting factual and technical information to learners of English for Specific Purposes (ESP). These findings demonstrate how mood choices contribute to the construction of interpersonal meaning in English for Computer reading texts and highlight the importance of mood realization in shaping the communicative and pedagogical functions of ESP materials.