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1、乔布斯2005年斯坦福大学毕业演讲之语体分析摘要：本论文将从词汇、句法和修辞三大方面对史蒂夫乔布斯于2005年在 美国斯坦福大学毕业典礼上所做的演讲进行语体分析。通过分析乔布斯的这篇演 讲辞，我们能够从中学习和欣赏到乔布斯运用语言的技巧，从而提高我们的英语 演讲能力。关键词：乔布斯演讲文体分析词汇特征句法特征 修辞特征Chapter I. IntroductionPublic address is delivered for a special purpose, in a special way, on a special occasion. Its purpose is to impress
2、, convince, or move the audience to action. Buehler and Johannesen define public address as “a memorized, original, persuasive speech, dealing with worth-while subject matter of timely interests, demonstrating qualities of logic, organization, language, and delivery, and producing an effect of eloqu
3、ence which is far above the ordinary” (Xue, 2003).Commencement address is one type of public speaking that is a part of the numerous literary genres; it is a method of face-to-face education, motivation and communication. The specific stylistic features of Steve Jobs commencement address at Stanford
4、 University are as follows:Chapter II. Lexical Features2.1 Short and homely words:In order to be accurate and clear in meaning, successful speakers tend to choose concrete, familiar words over abstract, unfamiliar ones (Fu & Li, 2010). In this address, there are 249 words containing more than six le
5、tters, and this kind of big words constitute 11% of the total speech, which means about 90% of the words in this speech are simple and commonly used.We can appreciate the simplicity and brevity of Jobs language in his speech. Most of the words are monosyllables or composed of two syllables. However,
6、 the simplicity does not decrease the power of his language; instead, it is forceful and thought-provoking enough.2.2 Contractions:Steve Jobs uses 32 contractions in this speech, such as “Ive” “couldn t” “didn t” and so on. Why does Steve Jobs use so many contractions? Actually, it is determined by
7、the occasion of this speech. This commencement address is delivered to those young graduate students of Stanford University, who do not expect a serious politician or a stereotyped pedant, but a friend that treats them frankly, sincerely and equally. Therefore, the less formal or even casual languag
8、es can help narrow down the distance between the speaker and the audience. Thus, Steve Jobs uses casual “I m” “I ve” etc. to replace formal “I am” “I have” etc. Although the formality of this speech may be lowered, as a result, it becomes more persuasive.Chapter III. Syntactic Features3.1Sentence le
9、ngth:Jobs commencement address at Stanford University consists of 27 paragraphs, 142 sentences, 2246 words. The average number of words in each paragraph is 83.1.The longest sentence in this speech contains 46 words while the shortest one contains only two words. Additionally, on average, there are
10、15.8 words in each sentence. Table 1 shows the length of sentences in Jobs speech:In this speech, Steve Jobs adopts alternative use of short, simple sentences and long, complex sentences. Wholly speaking, medium-length sentences between 10 and 20 words take up the largest percent in Steve Jobs speec
11、h, and occasionally Jobs uses some shorter or longer sentences to add some variation to his speaking, which also makes his speech more arresting and thought-provoking.3.2 Sentence types:Except declarative sentences, Steve Jobs also uses different sentence types in order to achieve his speaking purpo
12、se.3.2.1 Imperative sentence:The use of imperative sentences is Jobs another skillful device. In this speech, Steve Jobs employs 14 imperative sentences, such as “Keep looking until you find it” and “Don t lose faith”，etc. which take up 10% of the tota l sentences. Such kinds of imperative expressio
13、ns are represented either by the form of “ Do .” or by the mode of “Do not do .” Why does Steve Jobs use imperative sentences frequently? That is because the function of imperative sentences is to give advice or instructions, or to express a request or command. As for this speech, the purpose is to
14、inspire and motivate the young students. Thus, the frequent use of imperative sentence can be quite effective for this purpose.3.2.2Interrogative sentence:Several interrogative sentences are also used in Jobs speech. For example, “So why did I drop out?” “How can you get fired from a company you sta
15、rted?” and so on. In some occasions, questions are indispensable in a public speech, since questions can make the speech attractive and thought-provoking. Usually, questions can appeal the audience s attention and lead them to think about the answers and then to react to the speaker. Once the audien
16、ce hears the questions, they may have the feeling that the speaker is speaking to them instead of the speaker himself. This is a good way for the speaker to involve the audience into the speech and to interact with them.Chapter IV. Rhetorical featuresIn the global context of communication, applying English rhetoric principles would bring about more fruitful outcome (Huang & Lu, 2010). The use of rhetoric devices makes a spee
