2.4.5 Existential Function
Existential function is process of existence. It represents that something exists or happens. It also represents experience by positing that “There wasis
something”. It is easy to identify a clause contains existential function, as the structure
involves the use of the word “There” that has no representational function. It has no representational meaning: it does not refer to a location. It is present in the
clause merely because all English clauses require a subject. The word “There’ is left unanalyzed for transitivity. Existential function typically employ the verb “be”
or synonyms such as exist, arise and occur. The only obligatory participant in Existential function is called as Existent
Here are the examples of existential function that we have to know how they are realized in a clause.
. This participant which usually follows the “there isthere are” sequence, may be a phenomenon of any kind and often in
fact an event nominalized action. Circumstantial elements particularly of location are common in existential function.
There is a unicorn
in the garden
Existential Function Existent
Circumstance: Place
There was
a cat in the kitchen
Existential Function Existent
Circumstance: Place
On the roof there
hangs a shirt
Circumstance: Place Existential
Function Existent
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2.4.6 Relational Function
Relational function involves states of being, including having. Relational function is typically realized by the verb be or some verb of the same class for
examples: appear, become and seem. It can be classified according to whether it is being used to identify something or to assign quality to something.
Gerot 1994: 67-69 says that relational function can be divided into two sub-categories. They are Identifying Process and Attributive Process. Each has its
own characteristic participant role. 1
Identifying Process It is not about ascribing or classifying, but defining. The meaning of an
identifying intensive is that “X” serves to define the identity of “Y”. in this function, the participant roles are Token and Value
.
is the cleverest one here
Token Identifying Process
Relational Function Value
Halliday 1985: 115 says that semantically the token will be a “sign”, name, form, holder or occupant of a value which gives the “meaning,
referent, function, status or role” of the token. While, the token is the nominal group which contains the “name” which gives the classification.
Token will always be subject in an active clause and value will always be subject in a passive clause.
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2 Attribute Process
In the attribute sub-type, a quality, classification or descriptive is assigned to a participant which is realized by a noun or nominal group. The
participants here are Attribute and Carrier She
. is
very fat
Carrier Attributive Process
Relational Function Attribute
Mariah Carey is
a good singer
Carrier Attributive Process
Relational Function Attribute
I will not be
a betrayer
Carrier Attributive Process
Relational Function Attribute
From those examples and explanation above, the relational function has four participants that are closely related to the clauses which are have analyzed.
Token,Value, Carrier, Attribute are the participants and each participant has a function and position in a clause that has analyzed.
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CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHOD