language, text & context - city university of hong...
TRANSCRIPT
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We have looked at the clause from two perspectives
clause
experiential interpersonal
clause
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text
Field Tenor
Mode
Language, text & Context
What’s going on?
Who is involved?
How is language used?
Experiential meanings
Interpersonal meanings
Textual meanings
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clauseclause
Transitivity structure Mood structure
experiential interpersonal
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interpersonal
Transitivity structure Mood structure
experiential
they had to make their own breakfast next morning
Trans
Mood Subj F Pred. Complement Adjunct
Actor Pro:Material Goal Circ: time
Mood Residue
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The 3rd perspective:textual meaning
clause
interpersonal
clause
experiential
textual
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text
Field Tenor
Mode
Language, text & Context
What’s going on?
Who is involved?
How is language used?
Experiential meanings
Interpersonal meanings
Textual meanings
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1. Structural: Theme / Rheme structure
2. Non-structural: cohesion
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2 aspects of the textual metafunction
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What is the difference between the following clauses?
Exploring the Textual metafunction
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Their own breakfast they had to make next morning.
They had to make their own breakfast next morning.
Next morning they had to make their own breakfast.
(clauses from Piggy Book by Anthony Brown)
Each clause begins with a different experiential and interpersonal function
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Next morning they had to make their own breakfast.
Circ: time Actr Pro: Mat. Goal
Adjcirc S F Pred Complement
Each clause begins with a different experiential and interpersonal function
They had to make their own breakfast next morning.
Actor Pro: Mat. Goal Circ: time
Subject F P Complement Adjcirc
Their own breakfast they had to make next morning.
Goal Actr Pro: Mat. Circ: time
Complement S F P Adjcirc
Trans
Mood
Trans
Mood
Trans
Mood
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What comes first in a clause is significant!
Theme
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so each of the 3 clauses has a different Theme
Next morning they had to make their own breakfast
They had to make their own breakfast next morning
Their own breakfast they had to make next morning
Theme
The rest of the
clause is called
Rheme
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1. Theme: what is it?
Theme is that element of a clause that a speaker or writer wants to use as the beginning of his/her message
the jumping off point or the point of departure
from which a speaker or writer proceeds
i.e.
e.g.
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Theme
Mr Piggott opened it.
Inside was a piece of paper.
On the mantelpiece was an envelope.
from Piggy Book
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In other words, the Theme of a clause typically indicates its speech function
Theme and MoodThe part of the clause that is put first as
Theme depends on the Mood of the clause, i.e. whether it is:
Interrogative declarative imperative
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Consider: Why do we ask a WH- question?
Theme and Mood
so we put first the WH- element that represents this item, i.e.
e.g.When is Mum coming home?
We want the hearer to tell us some specific piece of information -
the person or thing,, time, place, reason, manner etc
who, what, when, where, why, how etc
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Theme in WH- interrogatives
“Where ’s Mum?”
“But what shall we do?”
“When is Mum coming home?”
“How should I know?”
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“Where ’s Mum?”Mood analysis Adjunctcirc P F Subject
Theme Rheme
Residue Mood
Theme analysis
“When is she coming home?”
Mood analysis
Theme Rheme
Adjcirc F Subject Pred. Adjunct
Res- Mood -idue
Theme analysis
What did they eat?Mood analysis
Theme Rheme
Complement F Subject Pred
Res- Mood -idue
Theme analysis
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Why do we ask a yes/no question?
Theme and Mood
so the polarity element attached to the Finite
comes first, together with the Subject, i.e.
e.g. Isn’t Mum back yet?
We want the hearer to tell us whether or not something is the
case concerning the Subject
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Theme in Yes/No interrogatives
Shouldn’t you be going?
Have the guests arrived yet?
Did the children go to sleep?
Aren’t you tired?
2111 Is this for real?
Identify Theme in these questions
Didn’t you like your first week at school?
Mood F S P C
Mood Residue
Theme Theme Rheme
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Why do we issue a command?
Theme and Mood
so we thematise the doing that is to be done, i.e.
e.g.
Hurry up with the meal, Mum
we want some doing to get done
the verb
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Task 2
Identify the Theme in each clause in the following text:
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1 Beat butter and vanilla,
2 add sugar gradually.
3 Add eggs one at a time,
4 Add flour, custard flour
5 and mix together,.
6 Spoon into muffin cases.
7 Cut raspberries into four
8 and place on top of muffin
9 Cut apple into very small pieces,
11 and stew until tender.
12 Place on top with raspberries.
13 Bake for approx 20 mins at 180 degrees.
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Why do we make a statement?
Theme and Mood
we want to tell the hearer about something – usually the Subject
Therefore, the typical point of departure in statements is the Subject
e.g.
Mr Piggott lived with his two sons, Simon and Patrick in a nice house with a nice garden, and a
nice car in the nice garage. 26
1 You’re not your usual self, Craig,
5 the school humanitarian has been picking on him
7 Poor little Craig’s gone all tender and confused and gentle.
Identify Theme in these statements
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Summary: Theme and Mood
Subject is typical Theme in declaratives
Finite + Subject is typical Theme in
polar interrogatives
Predicator is typical Theme in imperatives
WH- is typical Theme in WH-interrogatives
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Task 3
• Identify Theme in the following clauses
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1 A man was walking in a park
2 he came across a penguin.
3 He took him to a policeman
4 he said,
5 “I have found this penguin.
6 Should I leave him here?”
7 The policeman replied,
8 “Take him to the zoo!”
9 The next day, the policeman again saw the man in the park with the penguin
10 The policeman was very surprised
11 (the policeman) asked,
12 “Are you still carrying that penguin about?
13 Didn’t you take him to the zoo?” 30
In addition to Subject, Finite and Predicator, the other elements of the
clause from the interpersonal perspective are
Complement Adjunct
i.e. the nominal
group that is
NOT Subject
How, when,
where, why, etc
They had to make their own breakfast next morning
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Inside the house was his wife
marked Theme
occurs when an element other than the Subjectis Thematised in a declarative clause
Theme: marked Rheme
Adjunctcirc Finite Predicator Subject
the clause is declarative so the unmarked Theme would have
been the Subject 32
The next day, the policeman again saw the man in the park with the penguin
Adjcirc Subject F P Complement
Theme: marked
Rheme
the clause is declarative so the unmarked Theme would have
been the Subject
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Their own breakfast
they hadto make
next morning
Mood
Theme
marked Theme
Theme:marked Rheme
Complement Subject F Pred. Adjcirc
the clause is declarative so the unmarked Theme would have
been the Subject34
Next morning they hadto make
their own breakfast
Mood
Theme
marked Theme
Theme:marked Rheme
Adjunctcirc Subject F Pred. Complement
the clause is declarative so the unmarked Theme would have
been the Subject
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On the mantlepiece was an envelope
marked Theme
Theme: marked Rheme
Adjunct Pred F Subject
the clause is declarative so the unmarked Theme would be the
Subject36
Mr Piggot lived with his two sons
Subject Finite Predicator Adjunct
Subject is unmarked Theme in declaratives
he called every morning
Subject Finite Predicator Adjunct
Theme Rheme
Theme Rheme
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FAQ
How much of the beginning of a clause is Theme?
e.g.
Well actually probably I need to leave early
Can you stay long?
Theme extends up to and includes the first
experiential element of the clause38
Well actually probably I need to leave early
Can you stay long?
So to determine how much of the first part
of the clause is Theme, we need to
consider Transitivity
Theme extends up to and includes the
first experiential element of the clause
Theme extends up to and includes the
first experiential element of the clause
Can you stay long?
Transitivity Actor Pro:Mat Circ
Theme1st experiential
element
well actually probably I need to leave early
Trans Actor Pro: Mat Circ
Theme
Finite Subject Predicator AdjCircMood
S F Pred AdjCircMood
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Can you stay long?
transitivity Actor Pro:Mat Circ
well actually probably I need to leave early
Actor Pro: Mat Circ
The part of Theme that is the first experiential
element is called Topical Theme
Topical Theme
Topical Theme
Rheme
Rheme
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Identify the Theme
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Apparently the school humanitarian has been picking
on him
and (the school humanitarian has been) treating him
with care and kindness.
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He put his arm around my shoulder
and he told me
he liked me.
He said
I was different and unusual
and he told me
he would look after me.
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Task 4
Identify the extent of the Theme in the clauses of the following text extract
BUT
First, retrieve any items presupposed by ellipsis
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1. Have you ever watched two rams [[butting heads]] on one of
those nature programs?
2. A picture is worth a thousand words, Aries.
3. You take charge
4. because people [[born under your sign]] are natural leaders,
5. and you are indefatigable
6. (you make good doctors or explorers).
7. But you can be self-centred and impatient
8. when faced with others [[who are slow or moderate]].
9. Sometimes, though, you are unwilling to lock horns in battle,
10. and so you avoid confrontation.
when (you are) faced with others [[who are slow or moderate]].
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11. Arians are very straightforward,
12. usually intellectual, objective and in search of challenges.
13. You're very passionate,
14. but sometimes that hunger can drive you to promiscuity.
15. While they may have questions about their mates,
16. Arians are extremely devoted to their offspring.
17. Got a headache?
18. It's no surprise –
19. your sign rules the head.
20. And be careful,
21. because those [[born under Aries]] are prone to accidents.
(Arians are) usually intellectual, objective and in search of challenges.
(Have you) Got a headache?
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Theme summary
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Topical Theme
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Trouble in Athens Theme
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1 Mr Day was a teacher at a school in a big city in the north of England.
2 He usually went to France or Germany for a few weeks during his
summer holidays,
3 and he spoke French and German quite well.
4 But one year Mr Day said to one of his friends
5 “I’m going to have a holiday in Athens
6 but I don’t speak Greek,
7 so I’ll go to evening classes
8 and (I’ll) have Greek lessons for a month
9 before I go.”
10 He studied very hard for a month,
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11 and then his holidays began
12 and he went to Greece.
13 When he came back a few weeks later
14 his friend said to him,
15 “Did you have any trouble
16 when you were in Athens, Dick?”
17 “No, I didn’t have any trouble,”
18 answered Mr Day,
19 “but the Greeks did (have trouble)”
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summary
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What do we call the part of the clause in
front of the Topical Theme?
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Ask yourself: what function do these elements have in
any other structure? e.g.
Can you stay long?
Actor Pro:Mat Circ
What do we call the part of the clause in front of the
Topical Theme?
Topical Theme Rheme
Q: What is the function of “can”?
A: It is the Finite element in Mood structure and
Mood structure expresses Interpersonal meaning so ….
F Subject Pred Adj
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Can you stay long?
F Subject Pred Adj
What do we call the part of the clause in
front of the Topical Theme?
Interpersonal TopicalRheme
Theme
Actor Pro:Mat Circ
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What is the function of “well”; “actually”; “probably”
What do we call the part of the clause in front
of the Topical Theme?
well actually probably I need to leave early
Actor Pro: Mat Circ
Topical Theme
Rheme
Mood
Adjunct
Modal
Adjunct
Continuative
(textual)
Adjmood Modal Adj Subject Pred Adj
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What do we call the part of the clause in
front of the Topical Theme?
well actually probably I need to leave early
Actor Pro: Mat Circtext interpers interpers Topical
Rheme
Mood
AdjunctModal
Adjunct
Continuative
(textual)
Theme
Adjmood Modal Adj Subj F/P AdjM O O D Adj
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So there may be multiple themes:
1. elements having an experiential function,
plus
2. Interpersonal elements having no
experiential function ; plus
3. Textual items having no experiential
function
Topical Theme
Interpersonal Theme
Textual Theme
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Typical Interpersonal Themes
• non-referential Subjects: existential there;
• vocatives and endearments: Stephen, Mummy,
darling;
• modal expressions: usually, probably, I think,
would, could, might, can;
• Finite auxiliaries: e.g. don't,
These items are part of Theme only when they come at or near the beginning of the clause
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Typical textual Themes
1. conjunctions: if, because, when, and etc
2. continuatives: non-referential here, now;
yeah/yes, no, OK, well, right etc
These items are part of Theme only when they come at or near the beginning of the clause
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multiple Themes
Is Mum coming home?
Finite Subject Predicator Adjunct
Yes/No interrogatives
Interper Topical Rheme
Theme
Actor Pro: Mat Range
always occur in
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Don’t spill coffee on the mat
Finite Predicator Complement Adjunct
Pro: Mat Goal Circ
multiple Themes
in negative imperatives
Interpersonal Topical RhemeTheme
always occur in
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Do be careful
Finite Predicator Complement
in emphatic imperatives
multiple Themes
Interpers Topical Rheme
Theme
Pro: Relational Attribute
always occur in
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before he went offto his very important job
Subject Finite Predicator Adjunct
Actor Pro: Material CircTextual Topical
RhemeTheme
conjunction
multiple Themesalways occur when there is
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and then she went to work
Subject Finite Predicator Adjunct
Actor Pro: Material CircText1 Text2 Topical
RhemeTheme
conjunctions
multiple Themesalways occur when there are
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PLEASE come back
Predicator
Pro: Mat.
Interper Topical
Theme
multiple Themes
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problem Theme
existential ‘there’ construction
There was no-one [[to greet them]]
S F/P CPro: Ex. Existent
Interpers TopicalRheme
Theme
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Piggy Bookby Anthony Browne (1986)
London: Walker Books
Mr Piggott lived with his two sons, Simon and
Patrick in a nice house with a nice garden, and a
nice car in the nice garage. Inside the house
was his wife.//
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“Hurry up with the breakfast, dear,” he called
every morning, before he went off to his very
important job. “Hurry up with the breakfast,
Mum,” Simon and Patrick called before they
went off to their very important school.
After they left the house, Mrs Piggott washed all
the breakfast things… made all the beds…
vacuumed all the carpets… and then she went to
work.
//
//
//
// //
//
//
// //
//
//
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Retrieve items presupposed by ellipsis
After they left the house, Mrs Piggott washed
all the breakfast things… (Mrs Piggott) made
all the beds… (Mrs Piggott) vacuumed all the
carpets… and then she went to work.
//
//
//
// //
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Summary of Themes in Piggy Book extract
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Theme Rheme3 “Hurry up with the breakfast, dear,”
4 he (=Mr Piggott) called every morning,
5 before he (=Mr Piggott) went off to his (=Mr Piggott’s) very important job.
6 “Hurry up with the breakfast, Mum,”
7 Simon & Patrick called
before they
(=Simon & Patrick)
went off to their (=S.&P.’s) very important school.
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Textual Theme Topical Theme
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Theme Rheme9 After they (= S.& P.) left the house,
10 Mrs Piggott washed all the breakfast things…
12 (Mrs Piggott) made all the beds…
13 (Mrs Piggott) vacuumed all the carpets…
14 and then she (=Mrs Piggott) went to work.
Textual Theme Topical Theme