Applying Systemic Functional Linguistics: The State of the Art in China Today

About the Author Professor Jonathan J. Webster is Head of the Department of Chinese, Translation and Linguistics at the City University of Hong Kong. He is also the Managing Editor of the International Linguistics Association's journal WORD, and the editor of the forthcoming Journal of World Languages (2014). Product Description Applying Systemic Functional Linguistics: The State of the Art in China Today showcases new work from leading scholars in China, as well as offering perspectives on this work from M.A.K. Halliday and Jim Martin. The range of topics covers graphology/phonology, lexis, group and clause, clause complex, text, typology, semiotics, multimodality, stylistics, translation, and teaching.Not only will this book introduce the latest research into language and multimodal discourse being undertaken by scholars in China today, but also suggest the way forward in terms of where linguistics should be going if the aim is (still) to create 'the innovative producers of social semiotic theory, description and practice the world rightfully expects from the intellectual superpower China is economically positioned to become' (Jim Martin). This book is essential reading for scholars involved with systemic functional linguistics and interested in its shifting dynamics. Review This book adroitly combines invaluable information on the historical development of Systemic Fundamental Linguistics in China with intriguing examples of current work, across linguistic strata and semiotic modalities. It is very important reading for anyone interested in international developments in SFL.This very welcome publication offers both definitive accounts of the development of Systemic Functional Linguistics in China and a variety of significant scholarship in sub fields of Systemic Functional Linguistics. Each of the specialized chapters makes an important contribution to Systemic Functional theory and description.