Rationale for the study
In recent decades, modern linguistics has experienced significant advancements in functional linguistics, particularly through Halliday's influential theory of systemic functional grammar This shift has also inspired new trends in Vietnamese linguistics, with scholars like Cao Xuan Hao, who authored "Sơ thảo ngữ pháp chức năng" (1991), and Hoang Van Van, who explored the "Ngữ pháp kinh nghiệm của cú tiếng Việt: Mô tả theo quan điểm chức năng hệ thống."
In 2001, Diep Quang Ban introduced the application of Systemic Functional Grammar to the interpretation of the Vietnamese language in his work, "Ngữ pháp tiếng Việt" (2008) This pioneering approach has significantly transformed the methodologies used in the study of Vietnamese, marking a crucial evolution in linguistic analysis.
Recent studies have established a foundational understanding of Vietnamese through the lens of Systemic Functional Grammar, focusing on key aspects such as Theme, Mood, and transitivity processes in clauses Additionally, the analysis has extended to structures beneath clauses, including nominal groups However, there is a pressing need for more functional studies on the Vietnamese language and its nominal groups, as the theory of functional grammar remains relatively new in Vietnamese linguistics, resulting in limited awareness and engagement among scholars.
Despite existing studies on Vietnamese nominal groups, several questions and debates remain unresolved, necessitating further investigation A key inquiry is whether the experiential functions within these groups can be distinctly identified through systemic functional grammar Additionally, there is ongoing debate regarding the precise identification of the component elements of the Head and Thing in Vietnamese nominal groups.
For Vietnamese learners of English, a comprehensive understanding of nominal groups in both languages is crucial for developing advanced skills, particularly in translation Scientific terminology and complex abstract concepts often utilize nominalization, making their meanings challenging to comprehend By grasping the experiential functional components and their impacts on the overall meaning of nominal groups, learners can significantly enhance their proficiency in both English and Vietnamese.
Those discussed above are the reasons for doing this thesis which is titled: The Experiential Structure of Nominal Groups in English and Vietnamese
The aims of the study are stated in the following research questions:
1 How are Nominal Groups in English and Vietnamese constructed in the light of Systemic Functional Grammar?
2 What are the similarities and differences in the functional construction of the Nominal Group in English and Vietnamese?
III Scope of the study
This study investigates the experiential functions of nominal groups in English and Vietnamese, aiming to describe their functional components A comparative analysis will be conducted between the nominal groups of the two languages However, due to time constraints, the study will not address the referencing of nominal groups, which may result in some relevant structural features being overlooked.
This study focuses on the nominal group structure and the relationships among its functional components It emphasizes the use of standard nominal groups for effective description and demonstration.
IV Methods of the study
This thesis employs descriptive and contrastive methods for language research It begins with a theoretical background and literature review that describes nominal groups in English, followed by an analysis of nominal groups in Vietnamese in the subsequent chapter Examples for analysis are sourced from various genres in both languages The contrastive method is applied to identify the similarities and differences between nominal groups in English and Vietnamese.
This study employs the Systemic Functional approach to analyze the structures of nominal groups in English and Vietnamese Each functional component of the nominal group will be individually described, starting with an interpretation of English nominal groups The analysis of Vietnamese nominal groups will highlight specific positions within their structure, examining the functions realized by elements in those positions Accompanying examples of Vietnamese nominal groups will be provided alongside their English translations to illustrate the differences and similarities in structure and function.
This study addresses the second research question by comparing the typical structures of nominal groups in English and Vietnamese By providing examples of these nominal groups, we highlight both the similarities and differences between the two languages These findings aim to inform future research and offer insights for improving English language learning and teaching for Vietnamese learners.
CHAPTER 1: THEORETICAL BACKGROUND AND REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG), developed by Halliday, is rooted in the work of British linguist J.K Firth and draws influence from figures such as Hjelmslev, anthropologist Malinowski, and the Prague School This theory is termed "systemic" because it views meaning as a network of interrelated choices within a language or semiotic system It is also "functional," as it seeks to explain how language is utilized, emphasizing that language has evolved to meet human needs and is organized in a way that serves these purposes.
Halliday distinguishes himself from Firth and Malinowski by emphasizing social and cultural motivations over psychological and cognitive processes His Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG) places a greater focus on the social dimension than any other functional theory, highlighting the importance of context in understanding language use.
Halliday‟s theory focuses firmly on meaning and he is opposed to the autonomous syntax when he tries to avoid using the term “syntax” and to use his term
Lexicogrammar serves as an alternative perspective, suggesting that grammar and lexis are interconnected rather than entirely distinct, differing only in degree Additionally, the boundary between Lexicogrammar and Semantics within Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG) remains ambiguous, leading to the characterization of SFG as a grammar increasingly oriented towards semantics.
In Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG), the core components of meaning in language are identified as functional components, with language use and meaning derived from the performance of three metafunctions: ideational, interpersonal, and textual These metafunctions are manifested in every unit of language, from entire texts to phrases and groups Halliday's theory of the three metafunctions serves as a foundational element in SFG, distinguishing it from other functional linguistic theories.
The ideational metafunction is categorized into two main subtypes: experiential and logical metafunctions The experiential function captures our experiences and understanding of the world, encompassing elements from our imagination In contrast, the logical metafunction builds upon these experiences to enhance our reasoning Additionally, the interpersonal metafunction consists of three key components: the speaker or writer's persona, social distance, and relative social status, all of which are essential for establishing and maintaining social relationships Finally, the textual metafunction organizes discourse by linking sentences, distinguishing coherent texts from random collections of sentences.
3 metafunctions is the underlying background of SFG
II Noun Phrase or Nominal Group: The problem of labeling