Interpersonal Grammar
Systemic Functional Linguistic Theory and Description

Using a unified methodological and theoretical framework, this book compares interpersonal grammar systems across different languages.

J. R. Martin (Edited by), Beatriz Quiroz (Edited by), Giacomo Figueredo (Edited by)

9781108725538, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 3 August 2023

297 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.6 cm, 0.434 kg

This pioneering volume lays out a set of methodological principles to guide the description of interpersonal grammar in different languages. It compares interpersonal systems and structures across a range of world languages, showing how discourse, interpersonal relationships between the speakers, and the purpose of their communication, all play a role in shaping the grammatical structures used in interaction. Following an introduction setting out these principles, each chapter focuses on a particular language - Khorchin Mongolian, Mandarin, Tagalog, Pitjantjatjara, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, British Sign Language and Scottish Gaelic – and explores mood, polarity, tagging, vocation, assessment and comment systems. The book provides a model for functional grammatical description that can be used to inform work on system and structure across languages as a foundation for functional language typology.

1. Introduction: Theory and Description in Interpersonal Grammar across Languages J. R. Martin, Beatriz Quiroz and Giacomo Figueredo
2. Interpersonal Grammar in Spanish Beatriz Quiroz
3. Interpersonal Grammar in Khorchin Mongolian Dongbing Zhang
4. Interpersonal Grammar in Mandarin Pin Wang
5. Interpersonal Grammar in Tagalog: Assessment Systems J. R. Martin and Priscilla Cruz
6. Interpersonal Grammar in Pitjantjatjara David Rose
7. Interpersonal Grammar in Brazilian Portuguese Giacomo Figueredo
8. Interpersonal Grammar in British Sign Language Luke Rudge
9. Interpersonal Grammar in Scottish Gaelic Tom Bartlett
Index.

Subject Areas: Sign languages, Braille & other linguistic communication [CFZ], Computational linguistics [CFX], Grammar, syntax & morphology [CFK], Semantics, discourse analysis, etc [CFG], Historical & comparative linguistics [CFF]