A Systemic-functional Approach To English Delexical Structure

Delexical structure(DS hereafter)is a very special verb-object structure,so a host of linguists have concentrated on it and conducted a great many exhaustive as well as valuable studies.However,based on the literature review in the thesis,we find that there are still many difficulties in explaining this structure because of the inadequate theoretical foundations and methodologies.In accordance with the research status,this current paper attempts to implement an in-depth investigation into DS from the perspective of systemic functional linguistics(SFL hereafter)that may be a new paradigm,which is expected to achieve some breakthroughs on the basis of previous studies.On the basis of an infinite number of real instances from different sources,we will explore DS within the framework of SFL,including its properties on syntactic level and linguistic functions in order to present a reasonable and systemic account for the mechanism of the creation of DS.With the purpose of revealing its functions in SFL,the thesis adopts qualitative analysis approach as well as descriptive and explanatory approach to DS.Specifically,we will analyze its functions in the construction of grammatical metaphor and realization of ideational,interpersonal and textual metafunctions.We discover that:(1)DS can construct grammatical metaphor through transference of process types in the transitivity system and nominalization of simple verbs;(2)DS has the potential to realize ideational,interpersonal and textual metafunctions which are regarded as the three fundamental functions performed by language in SFL.However,there is a discrepancy in the interpretation of the ideational function realized by DS from Sydney Grammar and Cardiff Grammar: the former holds that eventive nouns in this structure are range,defining the scope while the latter maintains eventive nouns are the extension of main verbs.In conclusion,this thesis explores the distinctive properties of eventive nouns in DS and functions of DS in the framework of SFL.Compared with previous studies,this one brings about a new research perspective and it would be a beneficial attempt in terms of studying potential functions that DS possesses.Therefore,the thesis will enrich the previous research and make contributions to previous studies on this research topic.In this sense,this study is worth being conducted and will provide people with a deeper insight into DS.