Analysis of Discourse from Perspective of Systemic Functional Grammar

Abstract

Firstly the author introduces Systemic Functional Grammar in this paper, including the levels of language and their realization relationships, the systems of the three metafunctions and their submetafunctions, as well as the two levels of discourse analysis(DA). Then being based on different aspects of the systemic functional grammar, this paper analyzes the four discourses. Person system, mood and modality system, cohesion system in systemic function grammar are used in analysis of the first discourse “heal the world” which reveals some features of discourse of song. Understanding these characteristics can deepen understanding of the listener to the discourse of English song so as to improve the listener's ability to appreciate the song. When analyzing the other three discourses, the author uses the “context-text-commentary” method. Elaborate applicability of this linguistic theory to DA is the purpose. Finally, concluding that analysis of discourse with the systemic functional grammar analysis is not only a good way, but also it has very important significance.