Establishing a Niche in Applied Linguistics master thesis introductions of Moroccan L2 graduate writers of English

Abstract

Though significant and popular, the Create-a-Research-Space model (CARS) and its subsequent components remain underutilised in the Moroccan context. This is evident in the lack of published studies employing the model as means of analysis. As such, using Swales’ (2004) CARS model, the present study analyses 30 master thesis introductions written by Moroccan L2 Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching majors for if and how a niche is established. The introductions are sourced from the Faculty of Education Sciences in Rabat and the Faculty of Languages, Letters, and Arts in Kenitra. It is shown that a niche is a) established the 93% of all introductions and b) is constructed mainly by chaining two steps (i.e., Move 2 – Step 1A and Move 2 – Step 2). Further, the niche created is found to be local to the Moroccan context and motivated by a need to enhance practice. Seeking acceptance by and integration in the discourse community of university professors and English Teaching practitioners are used to account for the results found.