Summary:
This third edition of An Introduction to Functional Grammar has been extensively revised. While retaining the organization and coverage of the earlier editions, it incorporates a considerable amount of new material. This includes strengthening the grammar through the use of data from a large-scale corpus, upgrading the description throughout, and giving greater emphasis to the systemic perspective, in which grammaticalization is understood in the context of an overall model of language.
The approach taken in the book overcomes the distinction between theoretical and applied linguistics. The description of grammar is grounded in a comprehensive theory, but it is a theory which evolves in the process of being applied.
About the Author(s):
Michael Halliday is Adjunct Professor at Macquarie University, Sydney
Christian Matthiessen is Professor of Linguistics at Macquarie University, Australia
Reviews:
...an invaluable presentation of, and rationale for, the central descriptive apparatus of Halliday's systemic-functional grammar of English...essential reading for all students of English textual structure, teeming with insights.
Michael Toolan, University of Birmingham, UK
Anyone who claims any interest in practical grammar and its relationship to theoretical grammar should certainly familiarise themselves with it.
Studies in Second Language Acquisition
This is a must if one is to study functional linguistics.
Dr E Ventola, University of Salzburg
'Very complete - best textbook for functional grammar.'
Prof C Sionis, La Rochell University
This book does what it sets out to do - it presents a (very detailed) introduction to (systemic) functional grammar ... The book is well signposted, with clear chapter headings and section subheadings. There is also extensive cross-referencing between sections throughout ... I recommend this book to readers who want to understand what systemic-functional grammar offers to text analysis.
Elaine W. Vine, NZSAL