28
something – indicates that the participants have more equal status compared to conversation activating modulation of obligation clauses to perform command.
2.3.3 Moodfulness
This system differentiates between clauses according to the kind of contribution they make to dialog exchange. Major clauses can be used to
exchange information, goods and services, while minor clauses cannot. Matthiessen 1995 explains that they are self expressive exclamations or are
used in one way or another to facilitate major exchanges e.g. by engaging through calls and greetings or disengaging through greetings.
On the other hand, minor clauses realize a move in semantic organization of dialogue. They make different contributions as realizations of moves in
exchanges, such as facilitating interaction by opening or closing a dialogue through greetings and closings or managing the continuity of exchanges. Most
minor clauses, therefore, position the speaker as a compliant supporter of prior interaction.
There are 4 types of minor clause according to Matthiessen 1995:433:
exclamation for example Wow, Great, alarm such as Fire, No Smoking Careful, call for example Henry, greeting for example Bye. Well done,
Thanks, and continuity such as Uhuh.
29
2.3.4 Deicticity
Matthiessen 1995:421 explains that deicticity is the choice of how to relate the proportion through finiteness to the here and now of the speech
situation. It may be related through time temporal or through modality modal. If the clause is temporal, it selects for Primary Tense such as past, future or
present in relation to now. Meanwhile, modality covers probability, which refers to a range of different ways in which speakers temper or qualify their messages,
usuality, obligation, as well as inclination. Here are some examples of Deicticity temporal and modality with Finite in bold and Predicator underlined:
Deicticity: temporal
Past
She didn’t have these electrical things at all. and everybody else knew exactly what he was talking about and I didn’t know
what an armature was.
Present
I know there’s one in the hoofer. She hasn’t got any insurance on it.
We’re going to carry on.
Future
Tell that guys that we’ll carry on. I don’t think it will be enough just to have them
demonstrated. Taken from Matthiessen, 1995
30
2.3.5 Modality
