Table of Contents

The architecture of language
Towards a functional grammar
Clause as message
Clause as exchange
Clause as representation
Below the clause: groups and phrases
Above the clause: the clause complex
Group and phrase complexes
Around the clause: cohesion and discourse
Beyond the clause: metaphorical modes of expression
References

About the Author

Michael Halliday is Emeritus Professor of Linguistics at the University of Sydney, Australia Christian Matthiessen is Professor of Linguistics at Macquarie University, Australia

Reviews

...an invaluable presentation of, and rationale for, the central descriptive apparatus of Halliday's systemic-functional grammar of English...essential reading for all students of English textual structure, teeming with insights. -- Michael Toolan, University of Birmingham, UK Anyone who claims any interest in practical grammar and its relationship to theoretical grammar should certainly familiarise themselves with it. -- Studies in Second Language Acquisition This is a must if one is to study functional linguistics. -- Dr E Ventola, University of Salzburg 20041217 'Very complete - best textbook for functional grammar.' -- Prof C Sionis, La Rochell University 20041217 This book does what it sets out to do - it presents a (very detailed) introduction to (systemic) functional grammar ... The book is well signposted, with clear chapter headings and section subheadings. There is also extensive cross-referencing between sections throughout ... I recommend this book to readers who want to understand what systemic-functional grammar offers to text analysis. -- Elaine W. Vine, NZSAL 20041217