THE 'I' IDENTITY IN ACADEMIC WRITING

Abstract

Most of the time, academic writing has been thought as a kind of impersonal and faceless discourse. However. there is a tendency that now rvriters willingly show their identity in the writing as supported by recent researches by Tang and John (1999). Tang (2006) and Hyland (2002a,2002b) that-d_emenstrate that there is a room for negotiation to show the rvriter's identity. The most visible identity that can be sfigvn by the writer is by using the use olthe first personal pronoun. This expression of self is an important way of creating of one's own voice, of speaking rvith authority, and of securing reader supporl (Hyland, 2002b). This study aims to analyze the identities constructed by Barbara Fox and Jessica Robbles in one of their academic research articles, in terms ofthe tiequency and the functions ofthe use ofthe first personal pronoun. In investigating the use ofthe first personal pronoun based on Tang and John's typology (1999). Out oftotal 37 occurrences offirst person pronoun occur in the arlicle, 4O.85Vo occurrence belong in the role of'lst person'as the originator, the most powerful role that a writer may have show'ing the writers authority and ownership of the writing.