Systemic- Functional

Grammar Theory
by MICHAEL HALLIDAY
Prepared by:
Group 2
BSE ENG 2A
 Who developed
Systemic-Functional
Grammar Theory?
Who developed Systemic-Functional Grammar Theory?

Michael Halliday
Systemic functional linguistics treats
grammar as a meaning-making
resource and insists on the
interrelation of form and meaning.
This field of study was developed in the
1960s by British linguist M.A.K.
Halliday (b. 1925), who had been
influenced by the work of the Prague
School and British linguist J.R. Firth
(1890-1960)
What is Grammar?
Grammar
RULES
STRUCTURES
CORRECTNESS
EXERCISE
SYNTAX etc.
Halliday’s view of
Grammar
Grammar is an economy
based system to make
multiple meaning. It
enables us to make infinite
meaning within a finite
number of expressions. A
form can have different
meanings.
What is a Text?
Text
WRITTEN FORM
LANGUAGE
DOCUMENTS
Halliday’s view of
Text
Any passage spoken or
written of whatever length,
that does form a unified
whole.

Any organized pattern of

meaning.
 What is Systemic-
Functional Grammar
Theory?
Systemic Functional Grammar Theory
Systemic functional Grammar is the study of the
relationship between language and its functions
in social settings. Also known as SFL, Systemic
Functional Grammar, Hallidayan Linguistics,
and Systemic Linguistics.
Three strata make up the linguistic system in
SFL:
meaning (semantics),
sound (phonology),
and wording or lexicogrammar (syntax,
morphology, and lexis).
Systemic Functional Grammar Theory
Halliday’s systemic functional grammar
understands text as pieces of
communication constructed for social
purposes. When we listen to, read or view
a text, and when we speak, write or create a
text, we are drawing on three systems of
culturally constructed meaning from
which we simultaneously make our
choices.
What is the difference
between Systemic and
Functional Grammar?
 Offers structures

Systemic System of Choices

Sets of options for
making meaning.

Applicable in real life.

Functional Language is part of

almost every aspect of
our lives.
What is the purpose of
Systemic-Functional
Grammar Theory?
 Purposes
Language use is functional, and its function is to
make meanings.
To analyze language based on different styles used
in specific contexts.
It highlights how grammar and vocabulary
contribute to the overall meaning of texts (spoken
or written).
It explores the relationship between language and
society.
Systemic Functional Grammar - Key Terms

Meaning

Context

Choice
 Meaning
The way language represents
Experiential
our experiences.

They way we act upon one

Interpersonal
another through language.

The way in which a stretch

Textual of language is organized in
relation to its content.
 Context
This metafunction of language aims to express
an experience.
Ideational Deals with how language helps us perceive the
natural world.
This function of language refers to the use of
language in building relationships between the
Interpersonal speaker and the audience.
It focuses on forming, sharing, and maintaining
social relations.
The function of language refers to how we use
Textual language to form text (spoken or written),
which is concerned with how we organize the
flow of information in the text.
 Choice

The overall relationship of the

two key terms of systemic
functional grammar.
Generalization.
 Thank you for
listening!
Sources of Information:

Dario Urquiza. (2022, May 4). Systemic Functional Grammar by Michael Halliday- Week
12-18 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_QPO2HRV64

Nordquist, R. (2021, October 16). Overview of Systemic Functional Linguistics. ThoughtCo.

https://www.thoughtco.com/systemic-functional-linguistics-
1692022#:~:text=Systemic%20functional%20linguistics%20treats%20grammar,Halliday%20