The use of Intertextuality in Self-Improvement Books: A Discourse Analytic Study of Some Selected Texts

Abstract

Intertextuality and self-improvement books are two significant phenomena. They are considered a rich source for linguistic studies; yet, there is a lack of studies on this specific topic. Hence, this study aims mainly at investigating the use of intertextuality in self-improvement books viz: The power of positive thinking, the mindful path to self-compassion, How will you measure your life? These three books have been randomly selected from Liang’s list of the best 40 self-help books. The precise goals of this research are: Firstly, to Determine the intertextual strategies employed in the chosen texts of self-improvement books. Secondly, to Identify the types of intertextuality that are used in the selected texts of self-improvement books. And finally, Investigate the functions of intertextuality that are used in the selected texts of self-improvement books. The sample of the study consists of three chapters, selected from the three self-improvement books. But to save space and time we will display chapter one of the book “The power of positive thinking". In order to fulfill the study’s objectives, a table has been prepared by the researchers for the purpose of analysis. This table contains techniques of intertextuality, its types, and its functions. The analysis results have shown that intertextuality in its various techniques, types, and functions is noticeably used in self-improvement books; rather, it is considered one of the most obviously used techniques in this genre of books. In conclusion, the present study has combined these two argumentative topics: intertextuality and self-improvement books– linguistically together, by using the discourse analysis approach