Discoursal scholarly identity in research writing

Abstract

The construction of a discoursal scholarly identity is central to research writing (Hyland, 2013). However, the definition of such an identity is still elusive in current scholarship, and the discussion regarding its construction sporadic. We reviewed relevant research published in English-medium academic journals within the recent two decades (2003–2022) in an attempt to demystify the concept of discoursal scholarly identity and its construction in research writing practices. This literature review identified three main streams of research that focus respectively on (1) the manifestation of a discoursal scholarly identity in academic written discourse, (2) the reconstruction of such an identity by readers, and (3) the construction of such an identity in and through social practices. Key conceptions and features of discoursal scholarly identity as discursively constructed, dialogically negotiated, and dynamic also emerged from such synthesis of literature. We end by identifying and discussing areas for future research on the construction of a discoursal scholarly identity in research writing practices, and the means to inform novice writers, especially L2 writers, of the proper manifestation and negotiation of such an identity in research writing.