The Importance of Genre Analysis in Discourse and Communication

'Genre' is an important component of discourse features. When analyzing dialogues or texts, if we only focus on the cohesion of language and ignore the macro-structural analysis of discourse, as well as the social function and communicative purpose of genres, it is difficult for us to effectively and appropriately use English for communication. In the classroom, we learn that the English job application letter has a distinctive communicative purpose and social function, belonging to a specific discourse genre, whose macro-structure generally includes seven moves: (1) introducing candidature, (2) establishing credentials, (3) offering incentives, (4) enclosing documents, (5) using pressure tactics, (6) soliciting response, and (7) ending politely (Bhatia:1993:62). These seven moves are determined by the communicative purpose and function of the job application letter genre, and they constitute the cognitive structure of this specific discourse genre. Writing authentic job application letters must follow this cognitive pattern. Undoubtedly, understanding and mastering the macro-structure and cognitive pattern of English job application letters will help us write authentic English job application letters. In this sense, stylistic and discourse analysis must include the content of 'genre analysis,' and successful discourse teaching requires us to pay attention to 'genre analysis.'