A Positive Discourse Analysis of News Discourses on South African University Official Websites from the Perspective of Appraisal Theory

Abstract

This study, framed by the attitude subsystem of Appraisal Theory, focuses on English news discourses from the official websites of five representative South African universities (University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, Stellenbosch University, University of Pretoria, and University of Johannesburg). Through a positive discourse analysis of the sample texts, it explores the characteristics of their discourse strategies and the international image constructed. The study finds that among the distribution of attitudinal resources, appreciation resources account for the highest proportion (63.19%), significantly higher than affect resources (22.53%) and judgement resources (13.19%). Specific linguistic practices show that South African universities adopt a core positive discourse strategy centered on solving social problems, emphasizing inclusivity of marginalized groups and the people-oriented value of technological innovation to highlight micro-practical value and a focus on fairness and justice. This discourse construction is closely linked to reflections on colonial legacies and post-independence development needs. It not only breaks the stereotype of African universities as mere knowledge recipients but also shapes a three-in-one international image: local-rooted solvers of social problems, practical knowledge producers serving the academic community, and inclusive global participants. This provides empirical evidence at the discourse level for understanding the dialectical relationship between localization and internationalization of African higher education.