TITLE:
PRINCIPLES, LANGUAGE,
LEXICOGRAMMAR &
CONTEXT PARAMETERS
FIELD, TENOR, AND MODE OF
DISCOURSE
INTRODUCTION TO CONTEXT IN DISCOURSE
•Definition: Context in discourse refers to the situational and cultural settings in which
communication takes place.
•Importance:
•Helps in interpreting meaning.
•Determines language choice and structure.
•Key Components:
•Field
•Tenor
•Mode
PRINCIPLES OF CONTEXT AND
LANGUAGE
Principles:
1. Language reflects social context.
2. Context determines register (specific varieties of
language).
3. The interaction between field, tenor, and mode influences
text structure.
Language:
• A tool for meaning-making within context.
• Dynamic and adaptable to social situations.
LEXICOGRAMMAR
Definition: The relationship between vocabulary (lexis) and grammatical structures (grammar)
to create meaning.
Key Features:
• Choice of words and phrases.
• Sentence structure and complexity.
• Cohesion and coherence.
Role in Context:
• Adapts based on the field, tenor, and mode.
• Reflects the purpose and formality of discourse.
PARAMETERS OF CONTEXT
Field:
Definition: The subject matter or topic of communication.
Examples:
Science, politics, daily life.
Impacts:
Vocabulary specificity (e.g., technical vs. casual language).
CONT.
Tenor:
Definition: The relationship between participants in the discourse.
Examples:
Formal (teacher-student) vs. informal (friends).
Impacts:
Tone and level of politeness.
CONT.
Mode:
• Definition: The medium of communication (spoken or
written).
• Examples:
• Email, text message, face-to-face conversation.
• Impacts:
• Structure, length, and cohesion.
INTERPLAY OF FIELD, TENOR, AND MODE
Field influences:
Choice of subject-specific vocabulary and complexity.
Tenor affects:
Formality and interpersonal markers (e.g., greetings, pronouns).
Mode shapes:
Organizational structure and use of cohesive devices.
Example:
Writing a scientific report (field: science, tenor: formal, mode: written).
EXAMPLES OF LANGUAGE IN DIFFERENT CONTEXTS
Field:
Legal context: “The defendant shall…”
Casual conversation: “Let’s go!”
Tenor:
Teacher-student: “Could you please explain…”
Friends: “Hey, what’s up?”
Mode:
Text message: “u free 2nite?”
Formal letter: “I am writing to inquire about…”
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
• Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) by M.A.K. Halliday:
• Focus on how language functions in context.
• Field, tenor, and mode are part of the “register” framework.
• Importance:
• Explains language variation across contexts.
CONCLUSION
Summary:
Context shapes communication through field, tenor, and mode.
Lexicogrammar reflects these parameters to create meaning.
Implications:
Helps in effective communication across diverse settings.
Quote:
“Language does not exist in a vacuum; it is shaped by the context in which it occurs.”
REFERENCES
• Systemic Functional Linguistics (Halliday, 1985).
