Article presentations on introductions.

Among the things I learned from article presentations on introductions, there is the fact that the moves observed in English research papers are not necessary translated in other languages. At least 3 papers had as purpose of study a comparison between RAs introductions written in a foreign language (e.g. Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic) and those written in English.
These papers brought to the surface few findings that aim to this particular observation, and the most important ones are:
- cultural differences (e.g. Brazilian authors don't feel comfortable criticizing their peers. Education has a strong role in developing certain writing habits which are very different from culture to culture.);
- rhetorical organization (e.g Chinese writings are more reader-responsible in comparison with English writings that are more writer-responsible.);
- politeness theory (positive and negative face).

Another thing I learned is that Swales' (1990) CARS model applied to texts beyond introductions is largely used in English academic writing and has become more like a pedagogical tool that can help you to be successful in writing English academic papers. Even if CARS model can not be applied systematically to RAs in all disciplines, I personally consider that it offers me a strong background and a good direction to follow in my writings.

What I've found interesting and I would like to learn more about are the differences of language from a cross-cultural perspective and the use of positive and negative face (politeness theory).