Introducing Functional Grammar - Softcover

Thompson, Geoff

Softcover

ISBN 10: 034062535X ISBN 13: 9780340625354

Publisher: Routledge, 1996

Synopsis

Closely based on Michael Halliday's 'Introduction to Functional Grammar', this book is an accessible introduction to the most fully developed functional approach to grammar currently available. It can be used in its own right or to prepare students for the more theoretical presentation of grammar in Halliday's book. It clearly explains why the functional approach is necessary in order to investigate how grammar is used as a resource for making meaning, and it describes each of the major grammatical systems in terms of the meaning that they contribute to messages.
Starting with simple procedures for identifying the choices in a particular system, each chapter discusses the function of the system in context. This involves analysing what it means to make one choice from the system rather than another, e.g. what are the choices open to a speaker in the Mood system of the clause (declarative, interrogative, imperative), and why does a speaker choose to ask a question (using an interrogative form) rather than make a question (using a declarative form)? The book examines how each system works in the construction of clauses - the basic units for conveying meanings - and also at how the meanings in clauses contribute to the overall meaning of a text.

About this title

Review

This second edition is a more detailed and user-friendly introduction
to an approach to grammar through meaning and function. Functional
gramar is presented ere in a context that enables a broader
socio-cultural orientation to be shown of how language works. Thompson
does this with clarity and the engagement of his readers in the course
of ten chapters ... The book also provides a detailed index,
suggestions for answers to exercises, a comprehensive list of
references, as well as five pages of further reading, related to each
chapter. This is especially helpful for beginners and researchers, not
to mention teachers ... (It) serves as a most worthwhile introduction
to systemic functional grammar and should be on the bookshelf of those
working in the TESOL field. 

Margaret Bade, NZSAL

Synopsis

Closely based on Michael Halliday's "Introduction to Functional Grammar", this text provides an introduction to the functional approach to grammar. It can be used in its own right or to prepare students for the more theoretical presentation to grammar in Halliday's book. It explains why the functional approach is necessary in order to investigate how grammar is used as a resource for making meaning, and it describes each of the major grammatical systems in terms of the kind of meaning that they contribute to messages. Starting with simple procedures for identifying the choices in a particular system, each chapter discusses the function of the system in context. This involves analyzing what it means to make one choice from the system rather than another, eg. what are the choices open to one speaker in the Mood system of the clause (declarative, interrogative, imperative), and why does a speaker choose to ask a question (using an interrogative form) rather than make a question (using a declarative form)?

The book examines how each system works in the construction of clauses - the basic units for conveying meanings - and also at how the meanings in clauses contribute to the overall meaning of a text.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 034062535X
• ISBN 13: 9780340625354
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 272