A Systemic Functional Sketch of Material Clauses in Sundanese

Abstract

This paper explores the experiential grammar of Sundanese from the perspective of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) by focusing on material clauses within the system of transitivity. The description takes a fable as its point of departure in order to map out the grammar of material clauses in detail. It considers material clauses in relation to both their structural configurations and systemic options so as to develop a description that can engage with larger text patterns. Among other things, this paper explores the grammar of voice, which involves affixation and nasalization in relation to larger clausal patterns, as well as a wide range of options for benefactive clauses. As such, this paper takes a first step towards a discourse-oriented description of Sundanese from the perspective of SFL that contributes to both the growing field of SFL language description and typology, and the expanding interest in SFL educational programs in Sundanese speaking areas.