From Functional Grammar and Speech-Act Theory to Structure of Meaning: A Three-Dimensional Perspective on Translating

Abstract

Factors & properties in text comparison are discussed. It is argued that the three-tier descriptions of language & language use are offered by speech act theory, & Hallidayan functional grammar can provide a basis for source & target language text comparison. Drawing on these theoretical frameworks, a cubic model, Structure of Meaning, is developed to account for text formation in the three-dimensional translation process from a functional-comparative perspective in terms of linguistic composition, interactional dynamics, & aesthetic impact.