Term
2013
Capstone
Restricted Access Thesis
Degree Name
MAESL
Abstract
This text analysis is a baseline study on how subject pronouns were used in a sample of kindergarten read-aloud texts. Seven classic literature and folk tales were analyzed for quantity of subject pronouns found, types of cohesion observed (anaphoric, cataphoric, exophoric, and not cohesive), distance of pronoun from referent, and general observations. Across genres, subject pronouns were typically anaphoric and close to the referent. Unexpected results included interesting gender observations and pronoun use in connection with point-of-view. In stories with male main characters, pronouns were typically male and acted as the norm while female pronouns were used to highlight characters that acted as exceptions. Pronoun usage of he/she vs. I reflected author's use of point-of-view. Teaching implications include the importance of teacher and student awareness of the prevalence of subject pronouns to better comprehend character relationships and plot.
Recommended Citation
Hanson, Rebecca Kay, "Pronoun usage in kindergarten read-aloud texts" (2013). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations. 526.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_all/526