A Systemic Functional Analysis of Theresa May’s Speech at the Conservative Party Conference 2018_英语论文

摘要

本文以韩礼德的系统功能理论为基础，分析了英国首相特蕾莎·梅2018年保守党会议讲话的概念功能和人际功能。基于这一理论，本文分析了英国首相特蕾莎·梅讲话的特点和使用相关语言的原因。从概念功能的角度出发，本文主要研究了物质过程、关系过程和言语过程。从人际关系的角度看，演讲者主要运用中低值语气词和第一人称代词。通过分析语言概念功能和人际功能，说明了特蕾莎·梅是如何表达自己的态度和观点，从而说服听众，获得支持，实现自己的政治目的。这些内容都有希望为政治演讲话语分析提供一个新的观点和视角。

关键词：政治演讲  系统功能理论  概念功能  人际功能

Abstract

Based on Halliday's Systemic-functional theory, this paper aims to analyze the ideational function and interpersonal function of Theresa May’s Speech at the Conservative Party Conference 2018. Based on this theory, the paper analyses the characteristics of British Prime Minister's speeches and the reasons why she uses relevant languages. From the perspective of ideational function, the paper mainly studies the use and effect of material process, relational process and verbal process. From the perspective of interpersonal relations, speakers mainly use low-value and middle-value modal particles and first-person pronouns. By analyzing the ideational and interpersonal functions of language, this paper shows how Theresa May expresses her attitudes and views, so as to persuade the audience, gain support and achieve her political goals. These results are expected to provide analysis suggestions for political speeches.

Key words: political speech  systemic-functional theory  Ideational Function Interpersonal Function

Contents

Chapter One  Introduction 1

1.1  Background of the Study 1

1.2  Purpose and Significance of the Study 2

1.3  Structure of the Study¬¬¬ 2

1.4  Research Method of the Study 2

Chapter Two  Literature Review 4

2.1  Approaches in English Political Speeches Analysis 4

2.2  Previous Studies on Theresa May’s Speech 6

2.3  Systemic-functional Grammar in Discourse Analysis 6

2.4  Comment 7

Chapter Three  Theoretical Framework 8

3.1  Ideational function 8

3.1.1 Material process 9

3.1.2 Mental process 9

3.1.3 Relational Process 10

3.1.4 Behavioral process 10

3.1.5 Verbal process 11

3.1.6 Existential Process 11

3.2  Interpersonal function 11

3.2.1 Mood system 12

3.2.2 Modality 12

3.3  Textual function 12

Chapter Four  Analysis of Theresa May’s Speech 14

4.1  Analysis of Ideational Function of the Speech 14

4.1.1 The Analysis of Transitivity 14

4.1.2 The Analysis of Material Process 15

4.1.3 The Analysis of Relational Process 17

4.1.4 The Analysis of Verbal Process 18

4.1.5 The Analysis of Mental Process 19

4.2  Analysis of Interpersonal Function of the Speech 20

4.2.1 The Analysis of the Modality System 20

4.2.2 The Analysis of the Personal Pronouns 20

Chapter Five  Conclusion 24

Bibliography 

Acknowledgements