系统功能理论视阈下的多模态话语分析综合框架

A Systemic-Functional Synthetic Framework for Multimodal Discourse Analysis

虽然从系统功能语言学的角度研究多模态话语已经有二十多年的历史,但其研究框架仍然有待完善。本研究在已有多模态话语分析框架的基础上提出了一个改进的新模式。新模式具有多个优点。首先,它突出了系统特性,把对符号系统的认识和描写作为多模态研究的先决条件,以利于在认识相关符号系统的供用特征的基础上从中选择更加合适的选项。其次,它强调系统功能的一体化,多模态话语从相关符号系统中选择用以实现交际功能。第三,它突出了选择的过程,在每个层次上都增加了对选择过程的描述。第四,它突出了符号间性的研究。最后,本模式增加了对实体层的描写,突出了实体包含的该符号的供用特征对意义选择的限定作用,突出了技术性、物理性对符号选择的影响。希望本研究能够进一步促进多模态话语研究的发展,对于将来的发展动向和发展前景有一定启示。

The last two odd decades have witnessed the beginning and development of multimodal discourse analysis from a systemic functional perspective, yet its analytical framework remains to be improved. Based on the existing models, the present study proposes a new framework to this end. The framework boasts a few strengths. First, it highlights the systemic nature of the framework, taking system recognition and description as a pre-condition for further study so that choices from the system are made on the basis of knowing the affordances of the semiotic systems to get the best choices from the system. Secondly, it emphasizes the unity of system and function.Multimodal discourse is the result of choices from the system to fulfil communicative functions.Thirdly, it highlights the process of choice. It adds the description of the process of choice at every level. Fourthly, it attaches great importance to the study of the relations between modes. Finally, the new framework adds the description of the level of substance, highlighting the effect of the affordances embodied in the entities that realize the related signs, and that of technicality and physical features on the selection of the sign. It is hoped that the present study could promote the development of multimodal discourse analysis and shed light on its future development.