Generic Structure Potential and Ecological Civilization Discourse: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Chinese Language Textbooks

Discourse structure holds a prominent place in applied linguistics, yet the generic architecture of Chinese language textbooks has received limited scholarly attention. Drawing on Generic Structure Potential (GSP) theory, the study uses a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative frequency analysis with qualitative discourse analysis, to examine ecological civilization discourse in primary Chinese language textbooks. The corpus is grouped into ecological narrative, description, and exposition, followed by analysis of obligatory and optional moves and their sequencing. Cross-genre comparison identifies both divergence and convergence. Each sub-genre follows a distinct cognitive and communicative logic, whereas all three rely on reader-oriented interaction, align move patterns with children’s cognitive development, and use positive evaluative language to strengthen ecological values. The findings deepen theoretical understanding of educational genre organization, extend GSP inquiry into value-oriented discourse, and inform ecological civilization education in language curricula.