Systemic Functional Linguistics Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does Halliday and Lamb suggest about the sense of choice in linguistic selections?

It implies the speaker always intends to make a choice.

It requires both unconscious and conscious decisions. (correct)

It indicates a desire to influence others.

It always involves conscious awareness.

In the example of congratulating a friend versus a colleague, what aspect primarily changes?

The emotional response conveyed

The use of visual aids

The content of the message

The degree of formality in language (correct)

How can unconscious linguistic choices be transformed, according to the content?

Via education and heightened awareness. (correct)

By practicing in formal environments.

Through natural talent in language skills.

Through collaboration with skilled communicators.

What key difference is noted between the headlines 'BLACK MAN KILLED BY COP' and 'MAN FOUND DEAD'?

One directs focus on identity while the other is neutral. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about a speaker's role in discourse is emphasized by Asp and Matthiessen?

Speakers continuously make conscious choices. Signup and view all the answers

What do Matthiessen et al. define choice as?

The process of making selections while traversing through a system Signup and view all the answers

According to Moore and Tuckwell, choices made in language are characterized by what?

Motivated selection towards specific goals Signup and view all the answers

What does Bache suggest is essential for how choice should be made?

Communicatively motivated and satisfying higher-level communicative strategies Signup and view all the answers

Which orientation focuses on cognitive processes within the individual?

Intra-organism orientation Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect do systemic networks in Neurolinguistics address?

Choices processed in the mind of an individual Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the influences on choices in the context of language?

Social networks and relational dynamics Signup and view all the answers

Freddi's perspective suggests choice from which point of view?

Probabilistic point of view Signup and view all the answers

Are linguistic choices primarily conscious or unconscious according to the discussion?

A mix of both conscious and unconscious processes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary tenet of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL)?

Language is a system of choices. Signup and view all the answers

According to Halliday, what does a system represent?

A set of options and possibilities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'choice' in the context of SFL?

A determinant selection influencing grammatical structure. Signup and view all the answers

How are systems and structures differentiated in SFL?

Systems represent paradigmatic relations; structures represent syntagmatic relations. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does choice relate to language use?

It intertwines linguistic choice with cognitive processes. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is not an example of type of choice described in SFL?

Sociolinguistic choices in social dialects. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of paradigmatic relations in a system?

To provide alternative choices available within the system. Signup and view all the answers

Which example best illustrates the concept of 'voice' in terms of choice?

'The money was stolen' versus 'He stole the money'. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL)

SFL views language as a system of choices
Language connects social context to function
SFL emphasizes that language is a social semiotic

System and Choice

System: a set of possibilities
Choice: a selection from a system

Choice in SFL

Choice is a key concept in SFL
Choice is a process of making selections within a system
Choice is motivated: selections are intentional and serve a communicative purpose

Types of Choices

Choices can be made at different levels:
- Lexicogrammatical: sentence structure, word choices
- Semantic: meaning, conceptualization
- Phonological: intonation, stress
- Graphological: punctuation, capitalization

Choice and Cognition

SFL distinguishes between two orientations:
- Intra-organism orientation: focuses on individual cognitive processes
- Inter-organism orientation: focuses on interaction and social communication
Choice connects meaning to utterance production
Choice is influenced by social factors and individual processing

The social context influences linguistic choices
Different situations require varying degrees of formality and appropriate language.
Example: Talking to a friend versus a colleague

Unconscious vs. Conscious Choices

Many linguistic choices are unconscious
Education and awareness can increase conscious control over linguistic choices
Skilled communicators are aware of the choices they make and their effects

Choice in Text Analysis

Analyzing choices in text helps to understand the communicative goals of the author
Text analysis involves identifying choices made at different linguistic levels

References

Halliday, M.A.K.(1978).Language as social semiotic.
Lise Fontaine, (2013), Choice in contemporary systemic functional theory
Lise Fontaine, 2003, Analysing English Grammar: A Systemic Functional Introduction

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Description

Explore the key concepts of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), focusing on how language operates as a system of choices. This quiz delves into the types of choices that can be made at various levels, as well as the connection between choice, meaning, and social context.