A Functional Approach To English Nominalization

Nominalization is the process by which either a noun or syntactic unit functioning as a noun phrase is derived from any other kind of unit. Nominalization is regarded as one of the most prominent features of scientific and technical writings. This thesis is an attempt to analyze nominalization in a functional approach. In this thesis, nominalization is discussed from the functional approach based on Halliday's functional grammar. The study of the nominalization in English is well developed: almost all the linguistic schools concern themselves more or less with this topic. It is a pity that so far no thorough and detailed research has ever been conducted in this regard. This paper attempts to make an analysis of nominalization and puts forward some viewpoints with regard to the unresolved subjects, thus contributing a little to the research on nominalization.This thesis is divided into six parts: the first part offers an introduction on the motive and configuration of the thesis. The second part makes a survey on the study of English nominalization, and a brief review of Functional Grammar. The third part discusses the nominalization in functional assumption: its definition, types, patterns, and its formation, as well as grammar metaphor. In the fourth part, the paper makes a discussion of the four functions of nominalization, involving the ideational, interpersonal, textual and stylistic functions. In the fifth part, the paper discusses the relationship between nominalization and written language, pointing out that nominalization plays the significant role in the English writings. The last part is the conclusion, summarizing the previous chapters and suggesting the theoretical and practical value of English nominalization.