Comparing English and Chinese Texts at the Level of Clause : A Systemic Functional Analysis

This paper explores the similarities and differences between English and Chinese texts mainly at the level of the clause, especially in how clause functions as a message, exchange, and representation, based on Hallidayan three Metafunctions of language, where the way that language has evolved is functional to satisfy human needs. In Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG), language has multi-strata among which there is a realization relationship, and this realization also exists in semiotic orders higher than the language. Thus in this paper, a three-strata relationship among language, the context of the situation and context of culture is first illustrated and then a detailed comparison between English-Chinese texts on different aspects at the level of the clause is examined as well. With a comprehensive SF interpretation of the likeness and differences in pairs of features in different languages, ‘a balanced perspective’ of language studies is aimed to bring out.