Analysis Of Insurance Provisions From A Functional Perspective

This paper is intended to carry on a detailed analysis of eight English insurance provisions by drawing from the theories of Systemic-functional Grammar and some analytical frames proposed by Critical Discourse Analysis. By investigating linguistic representations on interpersonal, experiential and textual levels used in insurance provisions, the corresponding relationship between the linguistic representations and three variables of register theory—tenor, field and mode is thus unveiled. A conclusion is reached that the linguistic representations of English insurance provisions are conditioned by the three variables of register theory. In this way, the validity of applying Systemic-function Grammar to specialized discourse analysis is testified and proven.This paper also reports on the unequal status between the two parties of insurance provisions based on the Critical Discourse Analysis theories which hold that language shapes the experience and realities of the world. The power is exerted through the media of language. The Insurers are cultivated and trained to follow the convention formed over its long history of use is the source of power that regulates and conditions the language usage, and the familiarity in mastery of the convention breads the power group. The contents of convention fixed in insurance provisions are highly specialized and professional. The Insurer obtains the knowledge to skillfully produce and interpret them according to their institutional ideology, while the Insured cannot do so. This creates a kind of knowledge hegemony, and the false authority is established to control the activity of the Insured because this false authority generates awe for the Insured whose linguistic knowledge is inferior. In order to counteract the inequality in power, as the paper proposes, discourse revolution and change should be introduced into the field of English insurance provisions. This is expected to bring changes to the relationship between the Insurer and the Insured toward a solidarity-oriented end. The heightening of critical reading awareness is also craved for in the wake of the change of English insurance provisions.