systemic-functional linguistics n
an approach to linguistics developed by M.A.K. Halliday that sees lan-
guage as a resource used for communication in social contexts, rather
than as an abstract formal system. The word “systemic” refers to the view
of language as a network of interrelated systems (semantics, lexico-
grammar, phonology), and the term “functional” indicates that the
approach is concerned with the choices that people make in order to
exchange meanings through language. semanticsincludes ideational
semantics(the propositional content of a message), interpersonal semantics
(including speech functions such as requests and expressions of attitude),
and textual semantics(how the text is structured as a message, for example,
as given or new information). The lexico-grammarcombines syntax^1 ,
lexicon, and morphologyas a single system, analyzing utterances in
terms of functional roles such as agent, theme, and mood. Systemic-
functional linguistics has had a major impact on educational linguistics,
especially in Australia.
see also social context, transitivity^2
systemic-functional theory n
another term for systemic-functional linguistics
systems approach n
(in education, language teaching, and course design) an approach to
analysis, planning and development in which (a) all the different ele-
ments involved are identified (e.g. society, parents, teachers, learners, time,
materials, etc.) (b) their interactions are analyzed and studied (c) a plan or
system is developed which enables objectivesto be reached.
The curriculum, plan, course, etc. is seen as composed of elements that
work together as an integrated system, such that changes in one element
affect other aspects of the system.
systems approach