Systemic Functional Linguistic Theory Research Articles

Linguistic Landscapes of Social Media Discourse: Exploring Language Practices and Identities on Jordanian Online Platforms

The present research is designed to investigate the language practices and identities of Jordanian users on the selected social media platforms of Facebook and Twitter. A total of 400 posts and tweets were selected from both social media platforms. Based on the Systemic Functional Linguistics theory, the study found that the users demonstrated various language practices on social media like code-switching, emojis, localized expressions, and identity affiliations like racism, patriotism, and feminism. Consequently, the study established that Jordanian Arabic is the most frequently-used language style, while the use of English and MSA as secondary language styles was considerably less popular. Additionally, code-switching was the most prevalent language practice. The study recommended educational policies to advocate bilingualism, while for social media, the strategies need to reflect linguistic characteristics to increase reach and engagement.

Identifying artificial intelligence–generated content in online Q&A communities through interpretable machine learning

This study aims to construct a comprehensive feature system for identifying artificial intelligence–generated content (AIGC) in online Q&A communities, thus uncovering the key factors and mechanisms influencing the identification of AIGC. First, based on the theory of systemic functional linguistics (SFL) and information quality (IQ), this article extracts vocabulary, content, structure, and emotional features from the text, and identifies the AIGC through nine mainstream machine learning algorithms. Subsequently, three widely used resampling strategies are exploited to address the category imbalance problem. The grid search optimisation algorithm fine-tunes different combinations of parameters to improve the performance of the identification classifier. Finally, SHAP values are introduced to evaluate and elucidate the global feature importance and feature influence mechanism. A Chinese corpus from the Zhihu Q&A community is constructed to verify the validity of these methods. The experimental results show that the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model optimised with hybrid sampling and grid search parameters exhibits excellent performance in identifying AI-generated text, which achieves an F1-score of 0.9935, an improvement of 0.11 percentage points over the original model. In addition, all four dimensions of features constructed in this article contribute to AI-generated text identification, and the results of feature interpretability analysis show the greatest impact of features that focus on content readability. The study facilitates the identification and labelling of AIGC in online Q&A communities, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability of information shared online.

Toward a system of gesture–speech relations in elementary science teaching

AbstractAlthough previous research provides insights into how gestures function as a pedagogical tool, relatively little is known about how gesture is related to language, together creating a key meaning‐making teaching resource. Drawing on the system of logico–semantic relations in Systemic Functional Linguistic theory and McNeill's description of gestures, this study examines how gesture is logically and semantically related to the language teachers use in elementary science classrooms. The study is primarily qualitative in nature and uses video recordings as the primary data. The main purpose is to analyze the kind of gesture–speech relations used by elementary science teachers and to develop a system network that describes gesture–speech relations in elementary science teaching. Distribution of the gesture–speech relations shows that some relations are more likely used to teach scientific knowledge, some are more likely used for classroom management, and some are used for both.

Conveying the Meaning through Experiential Metafunction on Song Lyrics: A Case on Ideational Metafunction

This research explores the song "Better Man" by Westlife to uncover its experiential meaning and how it impacts the audience. Using the Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) framework, the study analyzes the song's meaning by examining the processes, participants, and circumstances in the lyrics. Qualitative content analysis is employed to identify various emotional experiences expressed through language. The study involves deconstructing each sentence to understand how participants, processes, and circumstances are used in the song. The primary data source is the authentic lyrics from reliable sources like official songbooks and verified lyric websites to ensure accuracy. The SFL theory helps examine experiential meta function and its components in the lyrics, considering the entire complexity of language in social contexts. The analysis reveals that "Better Man" predominantly employs mental processes, reflecting the singer's personal thoughts and perspectives. The use of verbs like "love," "say," and "hidden" effectively conveys emotions and interactions between individuals. The song's participants, such as "better man" and "her," create emotional connections with listeners. The findings emphasize the importance of language as an expressive tool in art and music, guiding songwriters in effectively communicating deeper messages and meanings. Song lyrics, with their emotional storytelling, establish powerful connections with the audience. While this study offers valuable insights into "Better Man," there is potential for further research. Analyzing more songs and genres can deepen the understanding of how language conveys experiences and emotions in music's broader context.
 Keywords: Experiential Metafunction, Systemic Functional Linguistics, Ideational Metafunction

A Lexico-semantic Analysis of the University Anthem of Lagos State University of Education, Lagos, Nigeria.

Anthems have been written and sung over the years to project and celebrate the entity being portrayed. In a bid to effectively convey the needed information and messages on the object being portrayed, word choice and meanings associated with and their collocations are expected to perform the task at hand. Using Halliday's (1994) Systemic Functional Linguistic theory because it lays emphasis on both the context and the function of language, this paper does a lexico-semantic analysis of the anthem of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED). Our analysis amongst others reveals that the words in the anthem are not chosen at random; they are carefully selected to evoke a sense of pride, unity and shared identity among members of the university pride, unity ideology and values of the institution are beautifully conveyed.

Preschool educators’ use of commanding language in China and Japan: a cross-cultural comparative study

ABSTRACT The manner in which educators use commands, a form of language that serves to guide and regulate behaviour, constitutes an essential component of children’s learning experiences in relation to language and social interactions. This study investigated nine Chinese and nine Japanese educators’ use of commanding language in educator-child free play interactions. Totally, 4296 clauses generated by the educators were analysed, drawn on systemic functional linguistic theory that classifies command based on its semantic feature. The results show that Chinese educators generally uttered more commanding language than Japanese educators. The proportion of direct & non-suggestive commands (revealing speakers’ authority) dominated in both cohorts, yet Chinese educators rated significantly higher than Japanese educators. The proportion of indirect and suggestive commands (carrying negotiation tones) in Japanese educators’ language was significantly higher than Chinese educators. The effect of child age on the educators’ commanding language was identified. Compared to the Chinese educators, Japanese educators uttered much less commands when interacting with children under four years, however, the gap was narrowed when communicating with children above four years. The findings illustrate how the educators create culturally-different language experiences for children in daily interactions, which has implications for worldwide preschool education in multicultural contexts.

Modalitas dalam sambutan Presiden Joko Widodo dalam peluncuran govtech Indonesia linguistik fungsional sistemik

This research examines President Joko Widodo's speech at the launch of GovTech Indonesia using the theory of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL). This research aims to determine the use of modalities in the president's speech. The theory used in this research uses the theory of Halliday and Matthiessen (2004). The method used is a qualitative method with descriptive presentation. The findings in this research show that President Joko Widodo's welcoming text at the launch of GovTech Indonesia uses medium to high modalities, with the modalities of want, must, and also will. Overall, the choice of modality in President Joko Widodo's speech text reflects a measurable communication strategy which is the main key to making the message in the President's speech stronger and more influential. This aims to represent President Joko Widodo's ability to carry out his vision, plans and future improvements for the better welfare of the Indonesian state.

Syntax, Technology and Politics: Analyzing Political Facebook Posts

This study used Halliday’s Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) theory to analyze syntactic complexity in digital communication. Thirty Facebook posts made between August and December 2023 by John Dramani Mahama, a Ghanaian former president, were analyzed in this study. A textual analysis was conducted on the data. The findings affirmed that grammatical categories are functional. There was a deliberate linguistic strategy marked by a prevalence of declarative sentences and a notable dominance of complex structures in this genre of digital writing. The strategic use of non-finite clauses contributes to the complexity of the discourse. The genre of writing is also characterized by information ranking and integration. The linguistic choices align with the formal expectations of political and digital communication – precision, depth, and engagement. These observations challenge and enrich existing theories of political discourse and communication strategies in the digital era. Keywords: Syntactic Complexity, Digital Communication, Facebook, Sentence Types, SFL

Analysis of Lexical Density and Readability of Pakistani English Newspaper Dawn

This research study aimed to analyze the lexical density and readability of Pakistani English Newspaper and so, to suggest their suitability for the level of students. Eight newspapers from four genres were selected as sample. The theory of Systemic Functional Linguistics based on the theory of lexical density by Ure (1971) was applied for finding lexical density and readability indices by using content analysis design through an online text analyzer software. Readability values were compared with the FleschmReading Ease Scale. The results of this study showed that lexical density values of all genres were greater than 40% according to the Flesch Reading Ease Scale. All the texts were lexically dense having a greater number of contents carrying lexical items as compared to grammatical items. The findings of study could also be applied to academic textbooks in order to check complexity and suitability according to the level of the students.

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

Appraisal analysis of the vague expressions in academic lectures using English as an academic lingua franca in an EMI university

AbstractThis study aims to compare how lecturers, also being different English as a lingua franca (ELF) users use various vague expressions in academic lectures in a Chinese English‐medium instruction (EMI) university. The study adopts the framework of appraisal grounded in systemic functional linguistic theory to classify all vague expressions according to intensity, amount, and categorisation. It is found that vagueness in relation to amount with no gradable features was used most frequently in the 12 academic lectures of the study, followed by those related to no‐scaled categorisation and upscaled intensity. The use of vague expressions is further examined from an academic ELF perspective. We discover that native‐speaker lecturers may use more vague expressions concerning amount whereas ELF lecturers may prefer those concerning intensity. Finally, we suggest some pedagogical implications of using vagueness in ELF communication for delivering academic lectures in the EMI university context.

Teaching mental processes to EFL learners: a blended-learning proposal

Abstract This paper intends to offer a practical case of application of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) to Foreign Language Teaching (FLT). While there is research offering very interesting insights for the application of SFL to Foreign and Second Language teaching contexts, none of it provides a straightforward application of SFL to the actual design of lessons. The proposal first focuses on how to create a text that contains the lexicogrammar object of study of the lesson. After this, and using the VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) Moodle, a series of activities are proposed, moving from more guided to more open-ended, all of them driven by the didactic exploitation of the lexicogrammar of mental processes. The proposal integrates SFL theory into the explanation of the lesson’s (lexico)grammatical goals. As part of this, the convenience of using system networks in FLT, e.g. the system network of mental clauses, is discussed.

REVEALING RIDDLER'S IDEOLOGY IN THE BATMAN MOVIE: A TRANSITIVITY ANALYSIS

This study aims to describe the transitivity system in the text. The transitivity system is used to explain ideational metafunctions in the theory of Systemic Functional Linguistics proposed by Halliday (2014). The analysis in this study focuses on Riddler's utterances in the film The Batman in 2022. This study analyzes the processes and participants contained in the clauses in these utterances. Then, the results of these findings will be linked with power hierarchy theory to reveal Riddler's Ideology. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method to show the analysis results. This research data is obtained from the transitivity process from Riddler utterances, which consists of the process and participants. The results show that Riddler used all kind of transitivity process. He used mostly material, relational, and followed by other processes. By using the transitivity process, Riddler can decide which character has more power through participant in the process. He used it on himself and his friend such as Batman and his follower more frequently than the government or higher up he discussed or talked to. Therefore, it can be concluded the ideologies that Riddler inherits is anarchist which influenced by narcissism.

The Use of Particles in Ngapak Bumiayu Language: A Study of Systemic Functional Linguistics

This study explores the use of particles in Ngapak Bumiayu, a Javanese dialect spoken in Bumiayu, Brebes, Central Java, using Michael A.K. Halliday's Systemic Functional Linguistics theory. Data was collected from everyday conversations of native speakers using a descriptive analysis method. The identified particles—kok, lho, kok ya, toh, wis, and bar—each have unique roles in sentence structure and meaning. The ideational metafunction shows that these particles enrich the information in sentences. Without particles, sentences present straightforward facts, but with particles, they carry additional nuances that enhance the message. For the interpersonal metafunction, particle placement affects meaning. Kok can be in any sentence position, conveying surprise or emphasis. Lho emphasizes attention. Kok ya, typically at the beginning or middle, shows wonder and affirmation. Toh, usually at the end, indicates finality. Wis, in the middle or end, signifies completion or agreement. Bar indicates ongoing or recent actions. The textual metafunction highlights particles' role in maintaining text coherence and cohesion. They ensure consistency and continuity in discourse through repetition, serving as connectors (referential cohesion), and maintaining consistent meanings across contexts (lexical cohesion). These particles are essential for structuring and organizing information in sentences and conversations. These findings illustrate the significant role of particles in enhancing communication, structuring information, and providing nuanced meanings in the Ngapak Bumiayu language.

An Analysis of Student’s Recount Text: An SFL Approach

This paper reports on the results of a study aiming to investigate the student’s ability to write recount text of a university student in Bandung. The study was conducted using the theory of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), especially functional grammar, in terms of the Transitivity, Mood and Modality system. The study used a case study on text analysis. A text, which is a recount text written by a higher achiever university student, was analysed using the Transitivity, Mood and Modality system. In terms of the Transitivity system, the result indicates the writer’s adequate syntactic compression and rich lexico-grammatical patterns. Moreover, in terms of the Mood and Modality system, the text shows the writer’s ability to infuse, temper, negotiate, and constrain the experiential meanings in the Mood that is in focus. Hence, the writer is categorized as a mature and critical writer, and the text is appropriate to be used as a model text. Research on text analysis using SFL of different genres of text and how the teaching of writing should be conducted to help improve students’ writing ability is recommended.

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.

Political contestation: Ideology and linguistic realization by 2024 prospective Indonesian presidential candidates

The political statements of prospective presidential candidates in the Republic of Indonesia (RI) in the pre-election period of 2024, in 2023, constitute texts of political contestation (PC) loaded with ideology. This research examines those PC texts. The texts are based on the respective ideologies of each presidential candidate. More specifically, this study investigates the ideologies of the presidential candidates, the linguistic realization used to express those ideologies, and the reasons behind the use of ideology and its linguistic realization. This research employs a qualitative descriptive design. Data collection tools included observation, document analysis, and interviews. The data sources were KP texts from three presidential candidates: Anies Rasyid Baswedan, Ganjar Pranowo, and Prabowo Subianto, obtained from newspapers, television, and social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. The data, in the form of KP texts, were analyzed using the framework of systemic functional linguistic theory (SFL) as developed by Halliday (2014) and other SFL experts. The research findings indicate that, in addition to similarities, the three presidential candidates have differences in leadership ideology, the linguistic realization of that ideology, and the causes or reasons used. The theoretical contribution of this research enriches applied linguistic theories, especially political discourse analysis (PDA), and simultaneously benefits voters in the 2024 election by helping them understand the ideologies of presidential candidates. This understanding can solidify their decision to vote for a specific candidate, thus reducing the social friction that always occurs during elections in Indonesia.

MODALITY IN BEAUTY AND THE BEAST MOVIE

This study aimed to find out types and values of modality in Beauty and the Beast movie. In conducting this thesis, the writer used the Systemic Functional Linguistic theory by M.A.K. Halliday (2004), which focused on interpersonal function. This study used descriptive qualitative method. In obtaining the data, the writer took the data from the dialogs, which showing the phrase, clause or utterance that is used in the dialogs of character and writing down the word, phrase, or sentence that are included in the types and values of the modality. The result of this study indicates that there are found 17 utterances containing of modality which is probability, usually, obligation and inclination. Whereas values of modality are divided in three degrees which are high value, medium value, and low value the used by characters in Beauty and the Beast movie.

Testing texture in presidential inaugural address

This study adopts the Hallidayan Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), specifically the textual metafunction, to explore cohesion in Ghanaian and American Presidential Inaugural Addresses (PIAs). The SFL theory is aided by the corpus-assisted approach to text analysis. In all, sixteen PIAs given by different presidents from the American and Ghanaian contexts constitute the corpus for the study. The findings revealed that both Ghanaian and American presidents make use of all the four grammatical cohesive devices as texture creation agents in their inaugural speeches. However, these cohesive agents were deployed at different frequencies. Unlike their Ghanaian counterparts, the American presidents chose grammatical cohesive devices that were comparatively more diverse. The findings have implications for the SFL theory and other research works on texture in political discourse in general and PIAs in particular.

Making a Case for New Directions in English Language Research at University of Cape Coast (UCC)

Drawing insights from existing studies on research synthesize (e.g. Farsani & Babaii, 2018/2020; Plonsky & Oswald, 2015), this study engages in a meta-analysis of MPhil theses from the Department of English, University of Cape Coast (UCC), in order to make a case for new directions for language research in the department. A critical content analytical approach was adopted to analyse eighteen (18) theses purposively sampled from the University of Cape Coast Institutional Theses Repository. The analysis focused on the research topics/domains, theoretical frameworks adopted, and research methods used. The study revealed following: (a) most of the studies were conducted in the domain of the media; (b) while most of the studies employed the qualitative research paradigm, very few adopted the mixed method approach and no study employed the quantitative approach; and (c) most of the studies were underpinned by the Systemic Functional Linguistic (SFL) theory while few employed the Theory of Nativization and Genre Theory. The study contends that there should be a shift in the focus of MPhil thesis to make it possible for the adoption of the mixed method and quantitative approaches as well as theories such as pragmatics, language variation, generative linguistics and corpus stylistics.