230041 Introduction to Systemic Functional Linguistics (S) (WiSe 2012/2013)

Introduction to Systemic Functional Linguistics
In this class, students will be introduced to various concepts of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL). SFL is a theory of language and language use that takes a systemic approach to language as a system of choices for meaning making. SFL claims that we create different meanings through the grammatical choices we make and that the grammatical choices available in a language define the potential meanings we can create in turn.
To give an example of how different grammatical choices are linked to different meanings, consider these two (fictional) headlines of a news report:
1) “Rioters burned ten cars”
2) “Ten cars burned in riots”
While the first headline makes explicit and therefore emphasises who burned the cars, the second one does not make any explicit mention of who did it. Hence, the grammatical choice of the active or passive voice gives us the choice of foregrounding or leaving out certain information. In the case of newspaper headlines, one can easily see how grammatical choices are important in representing the stance of a newspaper on an event or issue.
As this example shows, the relationship between grammar, semantics and social context is not only a complex one, but also an important part of how we use of language. In introducing students to various concepts in SFL and completing practical exercises on these concepts, students will gain an advanced understanding of English grammar in a systemic perspective on the one hand and an understanding of the relationship between grammar, semantics and social context on the other. It is particularly useful for students interested in language teaching, journalism and the analysis of discourse. Students should have a good understanding of and interest in English grammar to take this class.