Choice in Language

The notion of Choice provides a constant underlying theme to work in Systemic Functional Linguistics, whether this is concerned with in-depth description of the system of lexicogrammatical options available within specific languages, or with the analysis of the semiotic and/or social implications of the choices taken within specific texts. Yet, to date, little has been published exploring the applicability of choice across various contexts. Choice in Language addresses this gap by presenting a selection of writings from internationally renowned authors that develop the analytical perspective of choice across wide-ranging contexts and, in some cases, in languages other than English. The book demonstrates the value of Systemic Functional Linguistics as an ‘applicable’ linguistics, which is a core tool in broader fields such as pedagogy, literary studies and critical discourse analysis.

Gerard O'Grady is a Lecturer in Language and Communication at the Centre for Language and Communication Research in Cardiff University. His chief research interests are Critical Discourse Analysis, SFL especially in investigating connections between intonation and the lexicogrammar, examining differences between language as process and product, and examining how spoken discourse unfolds and creates meaning in real time. He is the author of A Grammar of Spoken English Discourse, London: Continuum, 2010. Tom Bartlett teaches SFL and Language, Genre and Ideology at Cardiff University. His doctoral fieldwork was on intercultural discourse between indigenous groups, national government and international development organisations. His research interests lie in the relationship between culture and genre and in developing hybrid genres that enhance the participation of minority groups in gatekeeping discourses. Lise Fontaine is a Lecturer in the Centre for Language and Communication Research at Cardiff University. She currently teaches modules in systemic functional linguistics and computer-mediated communication. Her research interests include functional grammar and, more specifically, the study of referring expressions as realised in the nominal group. In addition to grammatical analysis, she is also interested in related fields of linguistics study including corpus linguistics, computational linguistics, and sociolinguistics. She is the author of Analyzing English Grammar: A systemic-functional introduction, Cambridge University Press, 2011.