A Systemic Functional Study of Modality in Modern Chinese

This book provides a comprehensive account of the system of MODALITY in Modern Chinese,investigating the types of modality,realizations,and functions in the clause and clause complex. It reveals that MODALITY is an important interpersonal clause system at the lexicogrammatical stratum of Chinese,with two distinct types: modalization and modulation. The systems of ORIENTATIONS make a distinction between subjective and objective modality and between explicit and implicit realizations. Realizations of modality can serve as the interpersonal Theme,information focus,and modal meanings in the clause complex.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 175 pages
Publication date: 12 December 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This book offers a thorough and systematic exploration of the MODALITY system in Modern Chinese, delving into the functions that realizations of modality fulfill within the clause and clause complex. Drawing upon the framework of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), the research commences by introducing the diverse types of modality in Modern Chinese, examining the subtypes of modality and their corresponding realizations. Subsequently, the study delves into the systems of Orientations that govern the realization of modalization and modulation in Chinese. Following the establishment of a comprehensive system of modality in Modern Chinese, the research concludes by examining the roles that realizations of modality play in the textual structure of the clause and the clause complex.

The study reveals that the MODALITY system holds significant importance as an interpersonal clause system at the lexicogrammatical level of Chinese. Within the Chinese language, there exist two distinct categories of modality: modalization and modulation. Modalization pertains to the evaluation of the likelihood of a proposition, while modulation involves the assessment of a proposition in terms of obligation, inclination, and ability. The systems of ORIENTATIONS establish a fundamental distinction between subjective and objective modality, as well as between explicit and implicit realizations.

Furthermore, the research unveils that realizations of modality can serve multiple functions within the thematic structure of the clause. They can function as the interpersonal Theme in the clause, contributing to the interpersonal meanings conveyed. In the information structure of the clause, realizations of modality can serve as the unmarked information focus, emphasizing the inherent properties of the event or situation. Alternatively, they can introduce the marked information focus, drawing attention to specific aspects of the event or situation. Moreover, in the clause complex, realizations of modality can encode modal meanings and simultaneously construct clauses into a cohesive and coherent clause complex.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the MODALITY system in Modern Chinese, shedding light on its diverse types, subtypes, realizations, and functions within the clause and clause complex. Through the application of SFL, the research offers valuable insights into the linguistic mechanisms employed by Chinese speakers to convey modality and its impact on the communication of meanings.

Weight: 302g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811680229
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021