The grammar of interpersonal exchanges

Dr Pramela Krish21 April 2014

Forms and functions

• FORM denotes how something looks - its shape or appearance, and what its structure is.

• When we say that the old man is an NP, • or that the old man bought a newspaper is a finite clause • We can also look at constituents - phrases and clauses -from

another angle.

• We can examine the FUNCTIONs which they perform.

• Speakers are expected to be aware of the forms of the language they use and how these forms are used in appropriate context.

• Such functions need to be carried out within a context.

People use language to accomplish different speech acts.

• Ordering/Commanding• Promising• Arguing• Request• Apology • Expressing gratitude• Praising• Making an offer• Giving advice

There are 5 moods in English

• A. Declarative• B. Yes-No Interrogative• C. Wh-Interrogative• D. Imperative• E. Exclamative

Declarative : is used to express a statement, description, or give information /detail. Sentences can refer to anything at all, real or imaginary.

"I really like chocolate." is in the indicative mood, as it indicates or states that the speaker likes chocolate a great deal.

• The subjunctive mood is used to express hypothetical or desired states, such as wishes or imaginary situations.

• The sentence "If I were a little taller, I could reach the top shelf." is in the subjunctive mood, as the verb "to be" becomes "were".

• Yes-No Interrogative : is used to find out if something is true• Wh-interrogative: to elicit information

• Imperative: to get someone to do something or to stop doing something (requests, orders, and strong suggestions).Go there now!

Do not postpone this any longer!

• Exclamative : to exclaim or express emotion

• Each mood can be identified by a particular structure.

• The part of the sentence not involved in determining the mood structure is called RESIDUE

• Declarative: subject + finiteGrammar is very interesting.[Subject] [finite] (residue)

Oral skills are viewed as crucial in the business world.We always meet here.

• Yes-No Interrogative: finite + subjectIs grammar very interesting?Is she your mentor?

• Wh- interrogative: Wh - word + finite + subject or Wh- subject + finite

• How do you find the new job?• What is the outcome of the discussion?

• Imperative: predicator (subject is usually deleted)

Study functional grammar![predicator] (residue)

Read the news now!

*(Halliday refers to the base form of the verb as Predicators)

Exclamative: what + NP ….. or How + AdjP….

How tragic the news is! Wh- Adjp (Subject + finite)

What a tasty pie this is ! Wh- NP (subject + finite)

What a lovely wedding gift she’s given you!

Exercises

What is the a)mood and b) the intention?

1.What a frightening journey that was!2.We have all come to a consensus on the issue.3.Could you please sit beside me?4.Have you moved to your new apartment?5.If you don’t hand in your work you might receive a warning soon.

Words on Mood• http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDUhDV-72S0