Systemic Functional Linguistics and Discourse Analysis HE WeiContents 1. Systemic Functional Linguistics 2. The initiator 3. The Transitivity System 4. An Analysis of the Song “My Life” 5. Questions for Discussion1. Systemic Functional Linguistics 1.1 Language, Linguistics, Grammar and Syntax 1.1.1 Language Definition: A language is interpreted as a system of meanings, accompanied by forms through which the meanings can be realized. (Halliday 1994: xiv) Levels of language:semanticslexico-grammarphonology /graphologyExample:This Is Just to Sayby William Carlos WilliamsI have eaten the plumsthat were in the iceboxand whichyou were probablysavingfor breakfastForgive methey were deliciousso sweetand so cold Example (for comparison):This is just to say I have eaten the plums that were in the ice-box, and which you were probably saving for breakfast. Forgive me. They were delicious, so sweet and so cold. 1.2 Linguistics Definition: Linguistics studies language itself as a system, its relationship with the user, society, context, etc; linguistics studies language in use. Language and Contextcontext of culturecontext of situation(discourse)language 1.3 Grammar Grammar is the study of language itself, including systemic grammar and functional grammar. Systemic grammar aims to reveal systems of varieties of meanings of the use of language. Functional grammar aims to reveal realization rules and potential and real structures of the use of language. See Figure 7 in功能句法的界定 (4).doc 1.4 Syntax Broadly speaking, syntax means functional grammar, dealing with realization rules and potential and real structures of the use of language, which says that syntax is the study of the lexico-grammar level of language, including transitivity structure, mood structure, thematic structure, information structure, cohesive devices, clause, clause complex, group, group complex, etc. See Figure 9 in功能句法的界定 (4).doc 1.5 Summary linguistics grammar syntax Two models within SFL: the most representative works of the Sydney Model and the Cardiff Model being mainly concerned with syntax in the broad sense Application of SFL: one main application field being discourse analysis 2. The Initiator M.A.K. Halliday, the Founder, see 学者照片 DSC01252.JPG and 学者照片DSC01254.JPGMichael Alexander Kirkwood Halliday (M.A.K. Halliday): 1925, born in Leeds, England;1940s, taking his BA at London University in Chinese language and literature;1940s-50s, studying linguistics as a graduate student, first in China (Peking University and Lingnan University, Canton) and then at Cambridge, where he received his PhD in 1955;1955-63, holding appointments at Cambridge and Edinburgh;1963-70, teaching at University College London;1973-75, teaching at the University of Illinois, Chicago Circle;1976-2000 or so, teaching at the University of Sydney;Up to now, lecturing around the world, mainly in UK, China, Hongkong, Japan and India. Current research interests: the semantics and grammar of modern English; language development in early childhood; text linguistics and register variation; educational applications of linguistics; and artificial intelligence, in which he is associated with the “Penman” project at the Information Sciences Institute, University of Southern California Famous scholars in China: Hu Zhuanglin, Huang Guowen, Zhu Yongsheng, Zhang Delu, Fang Yan, Yang Xinzhang,et al. See 学者照片3. The Transitivity System 3.1 Overall Introduction Reality is made up of processes. The transitivity system construes the world of experience into a manageable set of process types. 3.2 Seven Types of Process 3.2.1 Material Process Definition: Material process is a process of “doing”; it expresses the notion that some entity “does” something. Example: I am writing a letter. 3.2.2 Mental Process Definition: Mental process is a process of feeling, thinking and perceiving. Example: John loves Mary. 3.2.3 Relational Process Definition: Relational process is a process of being. Example: Mary is beautiful. 3.2.4 Behavioural Process Definition: Behavioural process is a process of physiological and psychological behaviour, like breathing, coughing, smiling, dreaming and staring. Example: The old lady is breathing smoothly now. 3.2.5 Verbal Process Definition: Verbal process is a process of saying. Example: John says that he loves Mary. 3.2.6 Existential Process Definition: Existential process is a process of existing. Example: There are a few pictures on the wall. 3.2.7 Meteorological Process Definition: Meteorological process is a process about weather. Example: Its raining.4. A Transitivity Analysis of the Song “My Life”4.1 The Song “My Life”向天再借五百年 (4).doc; 向天再借五百年 (电视剧 康熙王-韩磊.mp3 4.2 Analysis (1) 沿着江山起起伏伏温柔的曲线 (Material Process) (2) 放马爱的中原爱的北国和江南 (Material Process)(3) 面对冰刀雪剑风雨多情的陪伴 (Mental Process) (4) 珍惜苍天赐给我的金色的华年 (Me