A Comparison of Move Analysis in Thai Apology in Spoken and Written Language

Abstract

   This study aimed to investigate Move analysis of Thai apology in spoken and written language in mistake situation with various degree.
   The findings revealed two main components in discourse structure included Head Move (H) and Subordinate Move (S). Head Move is a part of a word or a phrase which indicates apology directly. Subordinate Move (S) refers to a phase which appears in a discourse structure. In this research, discourse structure was divided into seven types: 1) only Head Move Structure; 2) only Subordinate Move Structure; 3) Head Move followed by a Subordinate Move Structure; 4) Head Move followed by Subordinate Move and Head Move Structure; 5) Subordinate Move followed by Head Move Structure; 6) Subordinate Move followed by Head Move and Subordinate Move Structure; and 7) Subordinate Move followed by Head Move and Subordinate Move and Head Move plus Subordinate Move Structure.
   Spoken and written languages were the main factors that caused discourse structure differently. Spoken languages used either a Head Move or a Subordinate Move. Moreover, the discourse structure of spoken language contained more substructures than the written language. The discourse structure of written language was more complicated owning to the relative order of systematic function of Head Move and Subordinate Move. Degree of severity of mistake situation and social status of defendant were minor factors affecting discourse structure.