The Structure of the Language of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Abstract

The structural characteristics of SDGs themes are examined in this study. Previous studies appear to have condemned the use of the only six official languages of the UN (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish) to communicate the themes of the SDGs without studying the languages, particularly the use of English to confirm if it is rich enough and can be understood by non-English speakers. This essay examines the SGDS’ language to reveal its structural features. The research is qualitative in nature; the data were methodically analysed and interpreted within their social and natural contexts to comprehend structures, meanings, and patterns in the SDGS’ language.  In the analysis of data, Systemic Functional Linguistics was applied. The data for the study were gathered from sustainable development.un.org. As a result, this research makes use of secondary data. The texts were chosen using maximum variation sampling, a non-random selection technique. All the SDGs' themes were studied. Findings show that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) contain a broad range of linguistic patterns which are nominal phrases, including single-modified themes, two-headword themes, two-phrased theme, two-word-modified themes, headword-alone themes, headword-alone/modified phrase, and qualified themes. Findings also reveal that imperative mood is used. The language of the SDGs emphasises interrelated ideas and goals, expressing urgency, inclusivity, and a long-term vision for world advancement. The study recommends that future studies should concentrate on how successfully the SDGs themes have been translated into other languages, and how well these structural features are replicated in those languages.