El zigzag retórico en el artículo biomédico inglésevasiones, acometidas y contraataques

Abstract

In this article, we present an approach to medical written discourse that is uncommon in Spanish linguistic research. We are concerned with the rhetorical level in the Discussion sections of biomedical research articles. More particularly, we focus on “rhetorical zigzag”, an argumentative strategy that seeks a dynamic balance between (a) a respectful attitude towards the findings of other members of the biomedical community and (b) positive claims regarding the value of one’s own research findings. In order to achieve this difficult balance, biomedical writers employ certain expressions that either soften or intensify and that are also skilfully combined with discourse markers of contrast and consequence. Thus, our aim is to analyse authentic examples of those three elements so that the reader may become aware of their importance, learn how to identify them, and use them effectively in English biomedical writing.