How important is context in the interpretation of
meaning ?
I. The Notion of Choice in SFL
1. Language is a system of choices (The primacy of meaning)
« Language's main purpose is meaning-making »
(Eggins,2004)
SFL as a theory has sought to focus on meaning rather than
structure. Meaning, in this sense, has a controlling effect
over linguistic options. Such a concept has been simplified
in the notion of choice. While communicating, individuals
make choices from the available linguistic options in the
language system which enables them to manipulate the
linguistic medium
Meanings (Context of situation +Culture)
Choice Wordings (Lexico-grammatical
choices)
In systemic Functional Linguistics, meaning has a
controlling effect over wordings
The choice of certain structures evokes a context
2- Multiplicity of Meanings
Language conveys multiple overlapping meanings
simultaneously through the metafunctions: ideational,
interpersonal, and textual(Eggins,2004)
II. The Three Kinds of Meaning
Halliday (1965) has laid the groundwork for three
meanings in SFL theory which represent the three
metafunctions
Ideational Meaning:
This type of meaning focuses on how language represents
experience, events, and the external world. It allows speakers
to convey processes, participants, and circumstances,
structuring the way reality is represented linguistically.
Interpersonal Meaning:
Interpersonal meaning is concerned with interactions and
social relationships. It encompasses how speakers express
attitudes, negotiate roles, and build relationships through
language, including the use of modality and tone.
Textual Meaning:
Textual meaning relates to the organization of language,
ensuring coherence and cohesion. It addresses how language
elements are structured to create meaningful discourse that
aligns with both the context and the audience’s expectations.
III. The Impact of Context on Systemic Choice
Language choices are guided by the context in which
communication occurs. For example, the formality of an
employment interview contrasts sharply with casual
conversation among friends. Specific contextual variables
such as the participants' roles, the topic, and the purpose of
communication shape these choices.
IV. Context of Situation and Meaning
The context of situation refers to the immediate environment
in which language is used. It comprises three key dimensions:
Field: The subject matter or activity being discussed.
Tenor: The social roles and relationships among
participants.
Mode: The channel of communication (spoken, written,
etc.).
These variables affect linguistic features, such as the degree of
formality, structure, and style. For instance, a sign reading
“You use it, you wash it!” gains its meaning from its
situational context—a workplace kitchen. Here, the text
depends on shared understanding: “you” refers to anyone
using the sink, “it” to dishes, and “wash” to cleaning up after
use. (Eggins,2004)
V. Context of Culture (Genre) and Meaning
Beyond the immediate situation, cultural context (or genre)
plays a critical role in shaping meaning. Genre reflects broader
social and cultural conventions that determine the structure
and purpose of texts. For example, the genre of a short story,
like Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour,” requires readers
to interpret brief, suggestive details. Unlike novels, short
stories do not provide exhaustive descriptions of characters,
settings, or plots. Instead, they rely on minimal details to
evoke complex meanings, demanding that readers infer and
tolerate a high degree of indeterminacy. (Eggins,2004)
VI. Indeterminacy of Meaning
Indeterminacy refers to the inherent vagueness or gaps in
meaning within texts. Both everyday and literary texts exhibit
this phenomenon:
Everyday Texts: Context helps resolve ambiguities, as
seen in situationally dependent signs (e.g., “You use it,
you wash it!”). Misinterpretations arise when shared
context is lacking.
Literary Texts: Indeterminacy is often intentional,
inviting readers to explore multiple layers of meaning.
For instance, Chopin’s story omits details like the
characters’ ages or socioeconomic status, focusing
instead on emotional depth and thematic exploration.
Such gaps require readers to engage actively with the
text, interpreting its subtleties within its genre-specific
conventions. (Eggins,2004)
Conclusion: Why Context Matters
Context is essential for interpreting meaning in texts. It
provides the external coherence necessary for resolving
ambiguities and ensuring communication aligns with social
expectations. Through SFL’s concepts of register and genre,
we understand how situational and cultural contexts interact
with linguistic choices, enabling texts to function effectively
in their environments.
