Explorations in Functional Syntax
A New Framework for Lexicogrammatical Analysis
G. David Morley [+–]
University of Strathclyde
G. David Morley is Lecturer in Modern Languages at the University of Strathclyde, Scotland. He is also the author of An Introduction to Systemic Grammar (Macmillan, 1985) and Syntax in Functional Grammar: an Introduction to Lexicogrammar in Systemic Linguistics (Continuum, 2000).
Explorations in Functional Syntax develops a practical framework for analysing the syntactic structure of a text from a functional perspective. It outlines a model in which the syntactic analysis, on a single dimension, mirrors the multidimensional meaning structure of the text. The syntactic framework thus takes account of semantic concepts such as participants and things, processes, features and qualities, and circumstances, all of which constitute elements of ideas. But it also deals with the cohesive links which connect ideas and with personal comments, etc. which may be interspersed amongst them. Though set firmly in the mould of systemic functional grammar, the book focuses on lexicogrammatical units and relations, structural elements, configurations and complexities. Social context and the semantic stratum are sketched out only as essential background. In elaborating a unitary syntactic framework which is functionally orientated so as to reflect the meaning structure of a text, the book represents a significant departure from the ‘standard’ mode of handling lexicogrammar in systemic linguistics. Important differences have been introduced with regard, firstly, to the nature of units on the rank scale and their relationships to structural complexes and, secondly, to the range and scope of elements of clause structure. The book is well illustrated with examples of the descriptive framework in action throughout the text and in a summary end chapter.
Table of Contents
Prelims
Introduction [+–] 1-3
The introduction presents the aim and structure of the book, as well as the target audience.
PART 1 GRAMMAR IN CONTEXT
1 Language Use, Context and System [+–] 7-12
This chapter introduces language use, as language represents just one way in which we as humans can behave, the necessary context in which every speech act takes place, and the linguistic system.
2 Functional Meaning and Grammatical Form [+–] 13-28
This chapter discusses the semantic level of the language system, the ideational or content meaning, as well as grammar and syntax.
PART 2 SYNTACTIC UNITS, ELEMENTS AND STRUCTURE
3 Word Unit [+–] 31-73
The word is the basic constituent of sentence structure, the basic unit of syntax. This chapter discusses the noun, the adjective, the verb, the adverb, the preposition, the conjunction, as well as expressives and pronominals.
4 Word Group [+–] 74-88
This chapter focuses on the concept of a group as being the structural expansion around a headword word. A word group is thus not itself seen as a higher ranking unit than a word but rather a form of word complex, a structural expansion around a word which forms a configurational grouping at word rank.
5 Phrase Unit [+–] 89-93
This chapter discusses the phrase, seen as a unit which plays a constituency role in the structure of a clause. The term ‘phrase’ is used to denote the intermediary unit between clause and word.
6 Elements of Clause Structure [+–] 94-120
This chapter analyzes the elements of the clause structure: the verbal element, the nominal and adjectival elements, the circumstantial adverbial element, as well as adjuncts.
7 Clause Unit [+–] 121-150
This chapter discusses the main and subordinate clauses, as well as the free and bound clauses, and their functional analysis.
8 Sentence Unit [+–] 151-155
Interpreted grammatically, a sentence consists of one or more clauses which are interrelated on a grammatically coordinate or subordinate basis. This chapter focuses on the sentence as clause complex, and discusses the formal classes of a sentence.
9 Structural Complexities [+–] 156-175
The complexities of grammatical relationships are achieved through a range of structural devices. This chapter discusses coordination, subordination, apposition, interruption, extraposition, cleft construction, pseudo-cleft construction, raising, the existential ‘there’, and the identifying ‘it’.
10 Further Grammatical Relationships [+–] 176-185
This chapter discusses further grammatical relationships, such as voice, transitivity, case, mood, modality and theme.
11 Functional Syntactic Analysis [+–] 186-200
This chapter is concerned with functional syntactic analysis, and the application of the framework built up for functional syntactic analysis to a range of examples.
End Matter
Selected Bibliography [+–] 201-208
Explorations in Functional Synta x develops a practical framework for analysing the syntactic structure of a text from a functional perspective. It outlines a model in which the syntactic analysis, on a single dimension, mirrors the multidimensional meaning structure of the text. The syntactic framework thus takes account of semantic concepts such as participants and things, processes, features and qualities, and circumstances, all of which constitute elements of ideas. But it also deals with the cohesive links which connect ideas and with personal comments, etc. which may be interspersed amongst them. Though set firmly in the mould of systemic functional grammar, the book focuses on lexicogrammatical units and relations, structural elements, configurations and complexities. Social context and the semantic stratum are sketched out only as essential background. In elaborating a unitary syntactic framework which is functionally orientated so as to reflect the meaning structure of a text, the book represents a significant departure from the ‘standard’ mode of handling lexicogrammar in systemic linguistics. Important differences have been introduced with regard, firstly, to the nature of units on the rank scale and their relationships to structural complexes and, secondly, to the range and scope of elements of clause structure. The book is well illustrated with examples of the descriptive framework in action throughout the text and in a summary end chapter.
Key to Symbols and Abbreviations [+–] 209
Explorations in Functional Synta x develops a practical framework for analysing the syntactic structure of a text from a functional perspective. It outlines a model in which the syntactic analysis, on a single dimension, mirrors the multidimensional meaning structure of the text. The syntactic framework thus takes account of semantic concepts such as participants and things, processes, features and qualities, and circumstances, all of which constitute elements of ideas. But it also deals with the cohesive links which connect ideas and with personal comments, etc. which may be interspersed amongst them. Though set firmly in the mould of systemic functional grammar, the book focuses on lexicogrammatical units and relations, structural elements, configurations and complexities. Social context and the semantic stratum are sketched out only as essential background. In elaborating a unitary syntactic framework which is functionally orientated so as to reflect the meaning structure of a text, the book represents a significant departure from the ‘standard’ mode of handling lexicogrammar in systemic linguistics. Important differences have been introduced with regard, firstly, to the nature of units on the rank scale and their relationships to structural complexes and, secondly, to the range and scope of elements of clause structure. The book is well illustrated with examples of the descriptive framework in action throughout the text and in a summary end chapter.
Index [+–] 210-215
Explorations in Functional Synta x develops a practical framework for analysing the syntactic structure of a text from a functional perspective. It outlines a model in which the syntactic analysis, on a single dimension, mirrors the multidimensional meaning structure of the text. The syntactic framework thus takes account of semantic concepts such as participants and things, processes, features and qualities, and circumstances, all of which constitute elements of ideas. But it also deals with the cohesive links which connect ideas and with personal comments, etc. which may be interspersed amongst them. Though set firmly in the mould of systemic functional grammar, the book focuses on lexicogrammatical units and relations, structural elements, configurations and complexities. Social context and the semantic stratum are sketched out only as essential background. In elaborating a unitary syntactic framework which is functionally orientated so as to reflect the meaning structure of a text, the book represents a significant departure from the ‘standard’ mode of handling lexicogrammar in systemic linguistics. Important differences have been introduced with regard, firstly, to the nature of units on the rank scale and their relationships to structural complexes and, secondly, to the range and scope of elements of clause structure. The book is well illustrated with examples of the descriptive framework in action throughout the text and in a summary end chapter.
ISBN-13 (Hardback)
9781904768005
Price (Hardback)
£60.00 / $80.00
ISBN (eBook)
9781845535575
Price (eBook)
Individual
£60.00 / $80.00
Institutional
£60.00 / $80.00
£60.00 / $80.00
Institutional
£60.00 / $80.00
Publication
01/07/2004
Pages
224
Size
234 x 156mm
Readership
Second or third year undergraduates and postgraduates
Illustration
7 black and white line drawings
