The Swiss linguist Mongin Ferdinand de Saussure (1857-1913) counts for the most important pioneer of modern linguistics. With his epochal work Cours de Linguistique Générale, published posthumously in 1916, he introduced a structural approach to linguistics, which we describe today as functional linguistics. He distinguished between parole and langue (speech and language system) and this way enriched linguistic research with another level to work on. De Saussure is also famous for establishing the view of the arbitrary linguistic sign, whose meaning is not naturally given, but subjectively related to certain conventions of the speaker and the receiver. At any rate, it was his conceptual framework that allows us today to describe language not only in terms of lexical meaning, but also to recognise different information units within texts and sentences whose information value may differ, pragmatically, depending on e.g. the speakers intention; or even grammatically, depending on the element ’s arrangement. We can evaluate smallest units of meaning relating to their form and function within the sentence, and we are able to identify rules within language that help us to understand or produce verbal information correctly. It is the goal of this paper to give an insight into a grammatical description of a particular ‘part-of-speech category’, as I will deal with the syntactic and semantic behaviour of adverbials. I will show in the following how a structural, say functional expertise of language can contribute to sentence and text meaning; for that purpose, the grammatical concept of the linking adverbial shall be a useful example to be discussed and to be focussed upon. In the beginning I will once more sketch the use of syntax for making a statement concerning textual structure, particularly cohesion, to supply the layman with the conceptual background, and to put the topic in its proper place. Then, I will try to develop an understanding for semantic roles and grammatical functions of adverbials while discussing two different approaches to the classification of the English adverbial in the light of modern linguistic theory. The first approach can be found in Greenbaum & Quirk’s Stundent’s Grammar of the English Language (1990), and the second in Biber et al.’s Student Grammar of Spoken and Written English (2002). [...]
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Adverbials in Grammar
- 2.1 Grammar, Syntax, and Cohesion- What Are We Talking About?
- 2.2 Adverbial Characteristics
- 3. Two Approaches to the Classification of Adverbials
- 3.1 Greenbaum & Quirk's Semantic Roles and Grammatical Functions of Adverbials
- 3.2 Biber et al.'s Classes and Semantic Categories of Adverbials
- 4. Linking Adverbials and Cohesion
- 4.1 Cohesive Relations
- 4.2 Types and Planes of Conjunction
- 4.3 The Role of Linking Adverbials for Conjunction and Cohesion in General
- 5. Summary
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this paper is to provide insight into the syntactic and semantic behavior of adverbials within English grammar. It aims to demonstrate how a functional linguistic approach can contribute to understanding sentence and text meaning, using the concept of linking adverbials as a key example.
- Syntactic and semantic classification of adverbials
- Comparison of different grammatical approaches to adverbial classification
- The role of adverbials in establishing cohesion in texts
- The function of linking adverbials in creating textual coherence
- Application of functional linguistics to analyze sentence and text meaning
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the theoretical framework for the paper, referencing Ferdinand de Saussure's contributions to structural linguistics and the concept of the arbitrary linguistic sign. It outlines the paper's goal of exploring the syntactic and semantic behavior of adverbials, particularly focusing on their cohesive role within sentences and texts. The chapter briefly introduces the structure of the paper, foreshadowing the discussion of syntactic and semantic roles of adverbials and their contribution to text cohesion, while acknowledging the necessity of some basic linguistic knowledge from the reader.
2. Adverbials in Grammar: This chapter lays the groundwork for understanding adverbials by defining key concepts like grammar, syntax, and cohesion. It explains the relationship between these concepts, highlighting how syntax governs sentence formation and cohesion contributes to text unity. The chapter then delves into the characteristics of adverbials, clarifying that they are a grammatical function rather than a specific word class, and illustrating their diverse syntactic forms through examples, showing how they can range from simple adverbs to entire clauses. The section differentiates between adverbs modifying other words and adverbs functioning as adverbials.
3. Two Approaches to the Classification of Adverbials: This chapter compares and contrasts two different approaches to classifying adverbials: Greenbaum & Quirk's semantic roles and grammatical functions and Biber et al.'s classes and semantic categories. By examining these contrasting perspectives, the chapter offers a broader understanding of the complexities involved in categorizing adverbials, highlighting the different theoretical underpinnings and practical implications of each approach. The chapter implicitly sets the stage for a more nuanced understanding of the adverbial's function within a sentence.
4. Linking Adverbials and Cohesion: This chapter explores the cohesive role of linking adverbials, focusing on conjunction as a cohesive relation. It examines how linking adverbials contribute to the overall coherence and comprehensibility of texts by establishing connections between sentences and ideas. This chapter integrates Halliday & Hasan’s work on cohesion, providing a concrete framework to understand the function of linking adverbials in creating textual unity. The analysis likely delves into different types of conjunction and how adverbials facilitate these connections.
Keywords
Adverbials, Syntax, Semantics, Cohesion, Conjunction, Functional Linguistics, Grammatical Function, Text Analysis, Greenbaum & Quirk, Biber et al., Halliday & Hasan, Linking Adverbials.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Guide to Adverbials in English Grammar
What is the main topic of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive overview of adverbials in English grammar, exploring their syntactic and semantic behavior, classification methods, and crucial role in establishing text cohesion.
What are the key objectives of this text?
The primary objective is to offer insights into the syntactic and semantic functions of adverbials. It aims to demonstrate how a functional linguistic approach enhances the understanding of sentence and text meaning, particularly focusing on linking adverbials.
What are the key themes covered in the text?
Key themes include the syntactic and semantic classification of adverbials, a comparison of different grammatical approaches (Greenbaum & Quirk, Biber et al.), the role of adverbials in text cohesion, the function of linking adverbials in creating textual coherence, and the application of functional linguistics to analyze sentence and text meaning.
How are adverbials classified in this text?
The text compares two main approaches: Greenbaum & Quirk's classification based on semantic roles and grammatical functions, and Biber et al.'s classification using classes and semantic categories. These contrasting approaches highlight the complexities of adverbial categorization.
What is the role of adverbials in text cohesion?
The text emphasizes the crucial role of adverbials, especially linking adverbials, in establishing cohesion and coherence within texts. It explores how they create connections between sentences and ideas, contributing to the overall unity and comprehensibility of the text. The work of Halliday & Hasan on cohesion is referenced in this context.
What is the significance of linking adverbials?
Linking adverbials are highlighted as particularly important for text cohesion. The text details how these adverbials contribute to the overall coherence and comprehensibility of texts by establishing connections between sentences and ideas, focusing on their role in conjunction.
What theoretical frameworks are used in this text?
The text utilizes a functional linguistic approach, drawing on the works of Ferdinand de Saussure (structural linguistics), Greenbaum & Quirk, Biber et al., and Halliday & Hasan (cohesion). This interdisciplinary approach allows for a multifaceted analysis of adverbials.
What is the structure of the text?
The text is structured into five chapters: an introduction, a chapter on adverbials in grammar, a chapter comparing two classification approaches, a chapter on linking adverbials and cohesion, and a concluding summary. Each chapter is summarized within the text itself.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Keywords include: Adverbials, Syntax, Semantics, Cohesion, Conjunction, Functional Linguistics, Grammatical Function, Text Analysis, Greenbaum & Quirk, Biber et al., Halliday & Hasan, Linking Adverbials.
What is the target audience for this text?
While the text provides a comprehensive overview, some basic linguistic knowledge is assumed. It is likely intended for students and researchers in linguistics and related fields.
- Citar trabajo
- Christian Kuhn (Autor), 2004, Functional Classification of Adverbials: Linking Adverbials and Their Cohesive Role, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/38680
