Metafunctions Of Language Research Articles

Systemic Functional Linguistics: Mood Analysis on Risk and Vulnerability to COVID-19

Purpose: This study examines Risk and Vulnerability to COVID-19 using Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) mood analysis to understand health messages and their functional meaning. Methodology: Hallidyan (1994) SFL Mood analysis framework, Tabular orientation. The sample was selected health messages. Analysis of 50 clauses Findings: 29 clauses were imperative (58%), 21 clauses were declarative (42%), No interrogative or exclamatory clauses found. Health messages primarily contained instructions or directions related to COVID-19 risk and vulnerability Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study provides a foundation for understanding interpersonal metafunction of language in health communication. It serves as a starting point for learners and beginners in SFL mood analysis. Tabulated data presentation facilitates easy understanding and analysis.

The Application of Zwart’s Shift Model to the English-Arabic Translation of Technology News

The present research paper discusses the applicability of Zwart’s “Comparative–Descriptive Model of Translation Shifts” (1984) to translating Sci-Tech news from English into Arabic. This comprehensive model primarily investigates the translation shifts occurring in literary discourse. To the best of the reCsearcher’s knowledge, very few attempts have been made to apply this shift analysis-based model to the translation of other types of discourse. The paper applies this model to translating scientific discourse, particularly technology news, on several reliable news websites, such as BBC and CNBC. English news on the English websites (ST) and the Arabic translation (TT) on these websites are used as data for the comparative and descriptive analysis. Zwart’s comparative model describes the translation shifts on the microstructural level by comparing the architranseme and the SL and TL transoms. The descriptive model provides insights into the shifts on the macrostructural level. The paper concludes that shifts occurring in the translation of Sci-Tech news can be best described, analysed, and categorised within Zwart’s comparative model. It also concludes that shifts on the microstructural level do not necessarily lead to a noticeable macrostructural change in the primary language metafunctions (interpersonal, ideational, and textual) as in the translation of literary works. Syntactic shifts may, however, result in a macrostructural change of the textual metafunction, which alters the propositional content in some instances.

From a Logical Connective to a Discourse Marker: The Functions of “So” Dependent on its Location

Traditional studies have been referring to Halliday’s meta-function of language to classify the uses of “so” as a discourse marker. However, there are some overlaps in the theories that were accepted earlier. Thus, this study first seeks to explore the discourse roles of “so” in terms of where it appears (utterance-initial, -middle, and -final) in dialogues and monologues of informal English language based on the TV Corpus and AntConc tool. Second, this paper tries to explain the extended use and internal functional mapping of “so” from a logical connective to a discourse marker in spoken English by building a connection between the two uses and providing an account for its functional borrowing. The ultimate goal is to render a new perspective of presenting both the logical and the discourse functions of “so” related to the syntactical structure and pragmatic context it is in.

An SFL Analysis of Dialogues in Elementary EFL Textbooks

Textbooks play a vital role in language instruction. The study aims to examine the three metafunctions of language based on the Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) theory. As such, a descriptive qualitative approach along with content analysis is employed to examine dialogues that were selected conveniently from two elementary EFL textbooks. The findings indicate that the relational process is the most frequent process type indicating the ideational function of the two textbooks. For the sake of interpersonal function, declarative sentences are mostly utilized. Meanwhile, the textual function is mostly reflected by the T (Thing) and DT (Deictic + Thing) nominal group pattern. These findings have pedagogical implications for teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL), particularly for elementary school students; providing simple language patterns that help students build a foundational vocabulary and understanding of grammar for proficient communication. The theoretical implication of the findings is the importance of scaffolded learning that helps learners grasp basic linguistic concepts before moving on to more complex and dynamic language use

Bridging Meaning and Tradition: A Transitivity Examination of Makassar Aruk Texts in Wedding Discourse

This study delves into a comprehensive analysis of language structures within the aruk text. Employing a qualitative approach, the research focuses on a meticulous examination of the transitivity system. The findings reveal the existence of six distinct process types within each clause, intricately involving the relationships among participants and their respective circumstances. Notably, the study identifies consistent predicate patterns in the formation of aruk texts, particularly prevalent in the context of wedding expressions within the metafunction of the Makassar language. Furthermore, the research uncovers that the articulation of meaning, based on linguistic data, encompasses ideational, interpersonal, and textual dimensions. This multifaceted analysis enables a nuanced understanding of meaning, elucidating the metafunction of language through the exploration of words, phrases, and clauses pertaining to the speaker's conceptual domain.

A Study of Appraisal System and Its Texture/Textuality Mechanisms

Language, as a social symbol, functions to express world experiences, construct social role relationships, and choose words and sentences to organize discourse. The interaction between language meta-functions is a problem deserved studying. From the perspective of textual meta-function, this paper tries to discuss the mechanisms of organizing Appraisal system as a texture, and construct a rather comprehensive analysis framework of the textual devices for evaluation meaning as a whole text. The framework built consists of three strata (contextual, discourse-semantic, and lexico-grammatical), two dimensions (micro and macro), and an intermediary variable (rhetorical strategies). At the contextual stratum, the generic structure of genre and mode of register, through rhetorical strategies, determine the distribution and combination patterns of evaluative meaning at the discourse-semantic stratum. In micro dimension, cohesion, information distribution pattern, and evaluative prosody, together with theme, new information and logical semantic relations in macro dimension, are combined to organize evaluation meaning at the discourse-semantic stratum. At the lexico-grammatical stratum, Appraisal meaning is thus embodied and realized by the evaluative lexical chains, thematic structures, new information structures, connectives and meta-discourse markers at the discourse-semantic level of a text. This framework reflects the interactions between the interpersonal meta-function and textual meta-function of Appraisal system and provides insights for the development of Appraisal Theory.

A Comparative Multimodal Stylistics Analysis of Selected Newspapers Cartoons

This study focuses on the comparative multimodal stylistic analysis of selected newspapers cartoons. A comparative study of newspapers cartoon juxtaposes two or more newspaper cartoon brands. Multimodality entails the mode(s) employed in a cartoon to portray meaning. The data for the study comprises ten cartoons selected through the purposive random sampling technique between 2020 and 2021 from The Punch, The Nation and The Guardian newspapers respectively. Data were analysed using Halliday’s meta-function of language in his Systemic Functional Grammar. It was discovered that framing, salience and linking layout are handy analytical tools in carrying out a multimodal analysis; each brand communicates its thoughts in a unique way with salient similarities and it was discovered that newspaper cartoons also lament the current tragic occurrence in society. This study concludes that visual mode is the lifeblood of a newspaper cartoon while the verbal mode only complements cartoon but cannot stand alone as a newspaper cartoon.

Functional Discourse Analysis of Queen Elizabeth II’s Speech in 2020

Based on Halliday’s Systemic Functional Linguistics, this thesis analyzes Elizabeth II’s 2020 Christmas speech and studies how the Queen uses language skills to obtain the support of the audience. Through the method of functional discourse analysis, this paper explores the performance of the three metafunctions of language in discourse. A comprehensive and in-depth analysis of Christmas speeches shows the operability and applicability of systemic functional linguistics theory in explaining political discourse, which is of practical significance. In addition, representative and contemporary political discourses are selected, and the analysis results are more practical.

An SFL perspective on EFL textbooks and its pedagogical implications in language teaching

Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) offers a framework for analyzing EFL textbooks by considering three metafunctions of language: ideational, interpersonal, and textual. This study aims to explore how SFL can provide insights into the linguistic features and discourse patterns that contribute to establishing these metafunctions in EFL textbooks, focusing on the pedagogical implications for language teaching. Specifically, the study investigates the transitivity pattern, mood system, and nominal group analysis, focusing on two selected EFL textbooks from different publishers. For the convenience of the research process, the researcher selected dialogue samples from the textbooks through convenience sampling and transformed them into clauses for analysis. The findings revealed that material process types were the most frequently employed, while interrogative forms predominated among the clause types. Additionally, the analysis of nominal groups indicated that the most common were nominal group types Thing (T) and Noun and Thing (NT). These findings shed light on the linguistic features of EFL textbooks and suggest that a closer examination of the metafunction of language can enhance our understanding of how language is utilized to achieve learning objectives. Consequently, to support students' language learning and proficiency development, EFL teachers should incorporate instructional focus, contextualized language teaching, integration of SFL concepts, promotion of language awareness, and differentiated instruction.

Impact of marketization on the interpersonal relation between the university and students in modern university prospectuses

ABSTRACT To survive amid fierce competition and reduced government funding, educational institutions struggle at various levels, from launching programs to publicizing them. Consequently, the promotional content they produce has changed over the years in many countries. This study investigated whether these neo-liberal trends have impacted the discourse of Pakistani universities’ promotional content, especially the interpersonal relationship between the prospective students and the university. Incorporating Halliday's Functional Grammar with a Critical Discourse Analytical perspective, the textual analysis of the interpersonal meta-function of language reveals that the universities predominantly employ declarative to realize the speech function of a statement; thus, conveying information without generating an imagined dialogue with the students. Following this, imperatives are used to perform the illocutionary function of offer and in rare cases conditional, optative and question statements. The results also established that the universities employ modalities and modulations sparingly which accounts for the text producers’ preference for conveying their propositions in the form of facts, hence leaving no scope for the reader to form his/her opinion. The infrequent use of pronouns in Pakistani universities leads to a lack of liveliness and affinity in writing. The textual analysis reveals that the universities uphold a manifest distance from potential students.

Evaluative Language in the Comments of Judges of TV Reality Shows: The Case of “Ghana’s Most Beautiful

The study sought to investigate the language judges use to assess performances of reality show contestants. It specifically examined the attitudinal evaluative language judges of Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) show employ in their comments when assessing contestants’ performances. To realize the objectives set for the study, the appraisal framework by Martin and White (2005), which was developed within the broader theoretical framework of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) and focuses on the interpersonal metafunction of language, informed the study. Fifty-two comments of four judges from six episodes of three seasons were recorded and transcribed for analysis. The study revealed that the dominant attitudinal resources used by judges as a means of evaluating contestants’ performances was judgement. Thus, while judges praise and admire, they criticize when necessary. Again, it was observed that the use of judgement as the dominant attitudinal device for evaluation appropriately reflected the purpose of GMB.

On German National Image Self-Shaping from the Perspective of Multimodal Discourse Analysis—A Case Study of German Chancellor Scholz's Tweets

Multimodality is a major trend in the current discourse world. Multimodal discourse analysis focuses on the co-construction of different symbolic resources and the internal rules of each mode, which enriches the perspective of traditional discourse research. On the international political stage, national propaganda windows also actively use multimodal means to shape their ideologies and national images. This thesis, based on the three metafunctions of language and visual grammar theory, makes a multimodal analysis of German Chancellor Scholz's tweets posted in the second half of 2022, to explore Germany's process of shaping its national image on social media platforms. The German government uses a rich symbolic system to design discursive expressions, establishing a national image to the world that proactively assumes the responsibility of global governance, wholeheartedly defends the core interests of the people, and strictly defends the traditional value order.

An Analysis of the Interpersonal Function of Joe Biden’s Inaugural Speech

Interpersonal function of language was first put forward by Halliday and it has been added by some scholars, which is one of the three meta-functions of language. It helps us establish and maintain social relationships. This paper analyzes the inaugural speech of Joe Biden based on interpersonal function and conducts both a quantitative approach and a qualitative approach. This research has found: In personal pronoun system, Biden used the first person pronoun most frequently in his inaugural speech. In modality system, medium-value modal verbs were used most, followed by low-value modal verbs and high-value modal verbs. In mood system, declarative sentences were used most often, which made his speech more objective and reasonable. In tense system, present tense appears most often in the speech, followed by future tense and past tense. In evaluation system, different resources have helped to achieve the interpersonal function.

“And Jesus began to teach”: A Transitivity Analysis of The Parable of the Sower

Religious discourse offers significant value for linguistic analysis. Functional analysis of religious texts provides a lexico-semantic approach to interpreting these discourses, though it remains underexplored in the literature. To fill this gap, the study undertook a functional analysis of the Parable of the Sower within the framework of transitivity. A mixed-method approach was employed. The text was taken from the Modern English Version (MEV) (Mark 4:1-20). The process types and their participants and the worldview of the parable were analysed within the framework. The material process type dominated the text, occurring 42 times. This was followed by the relational, mental, verbal and behavioural process types. The actor participant dominated the data. The text is highly action-oriented with the world of the text concerned with happenings, movements and tangible actions. The worldview of the parable could be described as: the nature of Christians upon receiving the word and instructions towards bearing fruits. Enthusiasm, materialism, double-minded and being stressed characterize the nature of Christians upon receiving the word while commitment, focus, steadfastness and faithfulness represent the instructions towards seed bearing. The textual and interpersonal metafunctions of language should be employed to consolidate the findings presented in this paper.

The Story of an Hour: A Text Kidnapped by Feminist Criticism

The Story of an Hour as one of Kate Chopin’s classic masterpieces, has always been regarded as a purely feminist work that authentically indicates the awakening of women’s consciousness of freedom under the oppression of patriarchal politics. Since Halliday proposed Systemic Functional Grammar and the three metafunctions of language, transitivity has been widely employed in the interpretation of literary works. The present study focuses on the vicissitude of the protagonist Mrs. Mallard’s mental status through the transitivity analysis as a useful tool and the stylistic features of the text itself as well to explore the hidden theme which has been neglected, and concludes that this classic work is kidnapped by feminist criticism. It satirizes the protagonist’s pathological emotional state of pursuing the absolute freedom in marriage.

A Multi-modal Discourse Analysis of WeChat Emoji Usage in Different Age Groups

As an auxiliary chatting method, WeChat emojis have played an important role in peoples language communication. As an emerging field, it has received extensive attention from linguistics in recent years. Based on the language meta-functions of Halliday, this paper will combine emoji with different age groups of people, and use multi-modal discourse analysis to deeply explore the ideational function, interpersonal function and textual function when different age groups use WeChat emoji and refine their internal reasons.

Analysis of Metafunction in Nick Vujicic's Motivational Speech “Hear the Heart” on YouTube

This study aims to analyze the language metafunctions in Nick Vujicic’s Hear the Heart speech using Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) theory by M.A.K. Halliday and supported by other Systemic Functional Linguists’ theories. This study employed the qualitative method. 499 data clauses are investigated in this study. The result shows that in terms of ideational metafunction, the dominant process used by Nick was the mental process (33,07%) which indicates that he involved his senses to represent his experiences of the outer world as well as the inner world of his thoughts and feelings. In interpersonal metafunction, declarative mood (72,34%), high value of modality (38,50%), and second personal pronoun (58,62%) are the most frequently used in the speech, which shows his high commitment and certainty of the information he uttered and also to show his care and respect for the audience; thus, a close intimate relationship is maintained. Through textual metafunction, which is dominated by topical theme (52,70%), Nick attempts to get the audience’s attention to focus on the message of what is being said and gives many statements to tell the audience about his experiences in life. To conclude, by using the three metafunctions, Nick could organize his language choice properly to create meaning and achieve his purpose in the speech.

Getting in touch: Communication in physical therapy practice and the multiple functions of language.

In physical therapy, communication that actively involves the patient is seen as the foundation of patient-centered treatment. Research on communication in physical therapy highlights how patients' opportunity to actively participate is often limited by the therapists' focus on biomedical facts and clinical tasks. Few studies have explored aspects of communication in clinical practice that may promote patients' active participation. The aim of this study is to shed light on verbal and nonverbal communication used by physical therapists to get in touch with patients and how this physical and linguistic touching may contribute to encouraging patients' participation. The selected case is from a qualitative observational case study of the first encounter between a female physical therapist and a male patient with chronic neck pain. Drawing on theories about communication and the metafunctions of language, the findings highlight how the therapist's use of unfinished sentences, repetitions of the patient's own words, touch, gaze and accepting interruptions from the patient promotes the patient's participation. Demonstrations of the use of linguistic communication theory in this study may contribute to enhancing physical therapists' self-awareness around communication and how to get in touch with patients, which is a fundamental element in patient-centered treatment.

Multimodal Discourse Analysis of Djarum 76 Advertisement Entitled "New Normal"

Djarum 76 advertisement is interesting to analyze because they show a different concept from other cigarette advertisements. This study aimed to (1) describe language metafunctions, (2) examine visual metafunctions, and (3) explain the relationship between language metafunction and visual metafunction of Djarum 76 advertisements as a multimodal text. The aim of the study was to to describe how Systemic Functional- Multimodal Discourse Analysis is used to analyze the multimodal text of the Djarum 76 advertisement. This study used a descriptive qualitative approach. The result showed that the representational, interaction and composition meaning of the Djarum 76 advertisement entitled “New Normal”. The visual elements of this advertisement are in line with the content, theme, and title of the advertisement, which is dominated by a narrative representational process. The circumstance elements also included details about the advertisement’s plot, such as a description of the scene’s location and time. This advertisement displayed more indirect relationships with the audience, implying that the advertisers do not expect the audience to respond. The most dominant image act in this advertisement is close personal distance. Furthermore, subjective images are the most prevalent perspective. Participants were portrayed as the focus of this advertisement by the advertisers. The participants who are being represented are also given unique characteristics. Sharpness was also used in this advertisement to visualize the participant. In addition, this advertisement used frames as the boundaries of the picture.
 Keywords: multimodality, language metafunctions, visual metafunctions, intersemiosis, resemiotization, Djarum 76 cigarette advertisiments

Literature Translation through Discourse and Register Analysis Approach: A Systematic Review

This scoping review studies how translation works through discourse and register analysis approach. In translation, different translation types have been successfully practiced. In interlingual translation, translating means beyond the word-for-word translation. In literature translation, the translation process demands improvement, especially in classical literature that needs to be understood in a target foreign culture. This systematic review aims to study how translation processes work and how discourse and register analysis approaches can improve translation products. Discourse analysis deals with how language communicates and holds its social and power relations. Discourse analysis aims to understand and investigate sentences and discourse through their underlying social and cultural context. Through the metafunctions of language, register variables such as the field, tenor, and mode, as well as through comparative analysis of the source text and the target text, translation products could be more efficient for the target audience. Hence, it can ensure translation quality. The conclusions of this systematic review could lead to future studies to improve translation quality through discourse and register analysis approach.