ABSTRACT
This corpus-based study aims to identify different interactive and interactional metadiscourse markers in the abstract sections written by Algerian, Saudi, and native researchers in the domain of applied linguistics. Using Hyland’s (2005) classification, 20 research papers of each group were randomly compiled from issues of indexed journals published in the last decade. The 60 abstract sections were analyzed quantitatively for frequency then qualitatively for functions of employed metadiscourse markers. To attain the aim of the study, we examined the similarity in using markers produced by Algerian and Saudi researchers to those of natives. Then, we compared the use and functions of specific devices between the three groups. The results showed that in terms of frequency, Saudi authors were closer to natives in using transitions while remaining far from both native and Algerian authors in using the rest of interactional and interactive markers. This might be an indication of Saudis’ attention to a coherent flow of ideas. The use of hedges, frame-markers, code glosses and attitude markers were similar in the Algerian and Native abstracts. The use of frame-markers by Algerian authors seemed to indicate a careful distinction between facts, allegations, and claims. While the use of attitude markers showed a tendency towards expressing perspectives and evaluation of shared propositional information.
