Uma análise crítica de gênero de resumos acadêmicos gráficos

Abstract

This research is linked to the project Critical Genre Analysis and implications for multiliteracies (HENDGES, 2012b). Our investigation concern the graphical academic abstract (GAA), a not regular discursive practice at the academic context, which coexists with the academic abstract (AA) in Tables of Contents of scientific journals and at the HTML version of the academic article, combining verbal and visual semiotic modes. Methodologically, we investigated the GAA from the perspective of Critical Genre Analysis (MEURER, 2002; BHATIA, 2004; MOTTA-ROTH, 2006, 2008). This theoretical and methodological approach enables investigate, textually and contextually, the rhetorical organization of the RAG, through the analysis of the different semiotic modes that constitute it, in order to verify standards for defining the RAG as (a new) genre. Forty GAAs from four scientific journals in Biodiversity and Chemistry (CAPES, 2014) were selected. For the contextual analysis we carried out: i) interviews with researchers of the investigated areas; and ii) documental analysis. For textual analysis, we carried out: i) identification, description and categorization of the meanings of semiotic modes that constitute the GAA, based on Systemic Functional Grammar (HALLIDAY; MATTHIESSEN, 2004), on the Grammar of Visual Design (KRESS; VAN LEEUWEN, 2006) and on metadiscourse markers (MORAES, 2005 conf. VANDE KOPPLE, 1985; CRISMORE; FRANSWORT, 1989; BAKHTIN, 1988; 2011, e.g.); and ii) identification of recurrent rhetorical patterns in GAAs (SWALES, 1990). This analysis showed that, although the GAA presents typical rhetorical movements of other academic genres, it is a new genre because the realization of these rhetorical moves is necessarily multimodal, especially realized by the visual semiotic mode. This characteristic differentiates the GAA of the AA because it enhances the communicative multi-purpose to attract the reader and summarize the research reported in an article. The critical study of GAAs allows to interpret new discourses available in the academic context, considering the multiplicity cultural and materialization of meanings. That study can also assist to propose teaching methodologies to promote multiliteracies.