Innovation in Language Learning

Knowledge construction in research article introductions is crucial for establishing a strong epistemic base and achieving higher levels of legitimation within the relevant field or community of practice. However, the linguistic process of constructing knowledge can vary across disciplinary boundaries, reflecting their unique terminologies, theoretical frameworks, and research methods. The present study aims to explore differences in knowledge structures and their modes of realization between hard and soft disciplines. Two corpora were created for RAIs, one focused on mechanical engineering and the other on linguistics. The knowledge structures in these corpora were analyzed based on features related to the code modality of semantics using Legitimation Code Theory. The realizations of these features were explored with reference to Power Trio framework. The study shows that the semantic code used in mechanical engineering and linguistics varies, indicating that they have distinct knowledge structures. Furthermore, there are noticeable differences in the way power words, power grammar, and power composition are employed in these fields. Specifically, mechanical engineering tends to follow a hierarchical knowledge construction pattern, whereas linguistics adopts a more horizontal one. The study provides valuable insights into knowledge construction in hard and soft disciplines, which can inform curriculum development and teaching strategies for ESP courses.