Abstract:This thesis, by researching identity construction in commencement addresses at            top American universities, aims to studying intensively identity construction from a pragmatic perspective, thus to reveal the motivation of different identity constructions. Many ways can be applied to construct pragmatic identities to reach different purposes. This paper’s major findings are: 1) Applying the first person “we” shorten the distance between audience and speaker. constructing a person with great team spirit. 2) Humor is a good way to construct a friendly and intimate identity. 3) Rhetorical questions can expose speakers’ wisdom to construct an intelligent identity. Learning more about these strategies will be helpful for us to reach purposes in drafting your speech.

Key words: Identity Construction; Commencement Addresses; Pragmatics Perspective

CONTENTS

摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction1

2. Theoretic Framework.2

  2.1 Identity and Pragmatic Identity

2.2 Previous Studies on Pragmatic Identity

3. Pragmatic Analysis of Identity Construction in Commencement Addresses at Top American Universities .3

3.1 Identity in Speeches

3.2 Identity Construction Strategies in the Speeches

3.2.1 Vocabulary

  3.2.2 Syntax

  3.2.3 Rhetoric Application

4.Conclusion8

Bibliography.10

Acknowledgements11