Themes And Thematic Progression Patterns In EST Texts

This paper is centered on textual function, one of the three Metafunctions in systemic-functional grammar. Starting with thematic structure, one of the three integral parts of textual function, the paper discusses themes, patterns of thematic progression and their application to EST texts analysis, and then illustrates the limitations when the theory is used in analyzing actual EST texts. To interpret the actual EST texts with this theory, the paper turns to Halliday's claim that"... we find thematic organization appearing in different guises throughout the system of the language, with manifestations both above the clause and below it." When the fact is established that Halliday does not explore this issue at length, attempts are made in the paper to uncover the characteristics of Themes and Thematic Progression Patterns in EST texts. Then it has shown and illustrated that Theme and Thematic Progression can be effectively used to analyze two sub-styles of EST texts. By comparing the functions and types of Themes and the Patterns of Thematic Progression arising in the two genres of EST texts, the paper reveals the major differences, in the perspective of thematic theory, concerning the texts of the two genres.The paper may serve as the theory basis of textual teaching in EST texts. Under the guidance of it, the processes of the conclusion and classification of structure will be practical and feasible ones.