29 comes in two modes: a attributive, and b indentifying, thus extending the English
relational functions into six types, Halliday in Sinar 2003: 63. We will begin by clarifying the basic structural different between attributive and
identifying process, exemplified initially for the intensive sub-type.
1. Intensive attribute processes
An intensive Relational process involves establishing a relationship between two terms, where the relationship is expressed by the verb be or a synonym. In the
attribute sub-type, a quality, classification or descriptive epithet Attribute is assigned to a participant carrier. The carrier is always realized by a noun or nominal group.
The meaning of an Attribute intensive is that ‘X is a member of the class a’. In this classification kind of attributive intensive, the attribute is also a nominal group,
typically an indefinite nominal. Diana
is a talkative dinner guest
carrier Pr: intensive
Attribute
I Won’t be
a police Carrier
Pr: intensive Attribute
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30 In the descriptive attributive intensive, the attribute is a quality or epithet ascribed to the
carrier i.e. ‘x carrier the attribute a’. In these attributive intensives, the attribute is typically an adjective:
You are
Very skinny Carrier
Pr: intensive attribute
All the other things Would have been
minute Carrier
Pr: intensive attribute
2. Intensive Identifying Processes
The intensive identifying processes contrast with the attributives both semantically and grammatically. Semantically, an identifying clause is not about
ascribing or classifying, but defining. The meaning of an identifying intensive is that ‘x serves t define the identity of ‘y. for example, in the clause:
You are
The skinniest one here Token
Pr: intensive value
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31 You are identified as the ‘holder’ or occupant’ of the identity of label of
skinniest one. Grammatically, defining involves two participants: a Token that which stands for what is being defined and a value that which defines. While
the most frequently used identifying intensives are listed and exemplified. Both the token and value are realized by nominal groups. E.g. The skinny one
identifying vs. a skinny one attributive. Because the identifying clause contains two autonomous nominal participants, all identifying clauses are
reversible, i.e. they can form passives. Active:
You are
The skinniest one here token
Pr: intensive value
Passive: The skinniest one here
is you
Value Pr: intensive
token
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32 Active:
Married women are
the real victims Token
Pr: intensive value
Passive: The real victims
are Married women
Value Pr: intensive
token
The reversibility of identifying intensives raises the question of determining which ‘side’ of the clause is the token and which the value. This can be determined both semantically
and grammatically. Halliday points out 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. The token, then, is the nominal group which contains the ‘name’, and the value is the nominal group which gives the classification. Often, semantic criteria will
indicate immediately which part of the clause is a token or value. However, it is the grammatical test which determines role assignment. The rest involves replacing the verb to
be with one of the synonymous identifying intensive verbs listed above, and then determining whether the resulting clause is active or passive, and which constituent is
functioning as subject. The correlation is that:
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33 •
Token will always be subject in an active clause. •
Value will always be subject in a passive clause. Other common sub-types of relational:
1. Circumstantial
