EFL TEACHERS’ DISCOURSE AT ORKUT: AGENCY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF SYSTEMIC FUNCTIONAL LINGUISTICS AND STRUCTURATION THEORY

Abstract

Drawing on Systemic Functional Linguistics and Structuration Theory, we explore the concept of agency in EFL teachers’ discourse in an online community forum at Orkut. Our analysis attempts to unveil ideologies materialized in EFL teachers’ posts and to illustrate how social features interact with discourse. We focus on the topic ‘bad student’ regarding transitivity choices – to establish teachers’ and learners’ roles, and regarding Structuration Theory – to examine interconnections of this discourse with social practices, role prescriptions and social structure. The analysis reveals the maintenance of practices and roles where the teacher continues to be the main social participant.