Trial Systemic Functional Grammar Analysis Of Speech Discourse

This thesis aims at a functional analysis of speeches. Guided by M.A.K.Halliday's systemic functional approach, especially based on his three Metafunctions—Ideational Function, Interpersonal Function and Textual Function, with 5 speeches as the objects, the thesis investigates the structural features of the 5 speeches and the functional differences between them from three aspects: transitivity, mood and modal system, and patterns of thematic progression. The analysis reveals that functional features of the speeches as a unique type of literature, as opposed to other types of literature, and there are really some similarities and differences among all the speeches. It also shows that material processes act as the largest components, and relational processes and mental processes have the second place, but there is little possession of behavioral and verbal processes. In addition, as to the mood they often use indicative mood because the communicational aim of speakers is to propagandize their own ideas. In terms of personal pronouns, most of the time, speakers may choose "we" to fasten the relation with their audience. Besides, the application of unmarked theme makes the speeches easy to understand, and, meet the audience's expectation of being much thought of at the same time. As for patterns of thematic progression, the simple linear thematic progression appears more than others and it is often applied to the explanatory speeches. To make their speeches coherent and full of variation, the speakers may adopt some more patterns of thematic progressions. This study on speeches is of a certain value in understanding the choice of speech language and the function it realizes, which leads to a better comprehension and a thorough grasp of the characteristics for a speech.