Question #61f2a
1 Answer
The functional theories of grammar are different approaches to the study of language and its elements to understand linguistic structures and processes.
Explanation:
With these theories, it is said that language is fundamentally a tool; therefore, it is reasonable to assume that its structures are understood the best with reference to the functions they carry out.
The grammatical functions include:
- Semantic function- this describes the role of participants in actions expressed or state of affairs. (Ex: President, Treasurer)
- Syntactic function- this defines different perspectives in a linguistic expression's presentation. (Ex: Subject, Predicate)
- Pragmatic function-this defines the constituent's informational status, which is determined by the pragmatic context of verbal interaction.
Some grammatical frameworks that have a functional approach include:
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Danish functional grammar, which focuses on pragmatics and discourse and uses Saussurean/Hjelmslevian structuralism
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Role and Reference Grammar (RRG), which has a functional analytical framework with a semi-formal mode of description
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Simon Dik's functional grammar, which has been developed into Functional Discourse Grammar and heavily inspired many other forms of functional theories.
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Michael Halliday's systemic functional grammar, which states that the explanation of how language works needs "to be grounded in a functional analysis,..."
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André Martinet's functional syntax
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the Prague School's structuralist functionalism