Integrating Argument Structure,Clause Semntics, Grammatical Functions and Micro-Discourse - the Functional Grammatical Functions and Micro-Discourse - the Functional Grammar Perspective.

This review article is a critical evaluation of Anna Siewierska's (AS) introduction to the current model of Functional Grammar, as expounded chiefly in Simon Dik's (1989) synthesis. It is also a critique of certain aspects of the basic theory itself. The article has seven sections, reflecting the book's essential structure and focus. After a brief introduction describing AS's framework and goals, section 2 sketches the internal organisation of the FG model of grammar, which specifies the semantic, grammatical and 'micro-discourse' structure of the simple clause. Section 3 deals with the aspect of FG which AS finds the least satisfactory, namely its handling of the grammatical functions subject and object. Section 4 examines the characteristic 'layered' structure of FG, in terms of both semantic and morphosyntactic properties. Section 5 then examines AS's criticisms of the FG approach to the 'micro-discourse' properties of the clause, the assignment of the 'pragmatic functions' theme, topic and focus. Finally, section 6 focuses on the formal realization of the annotated, layered relational structures specified by an FG grammar at the 'expression' point in a derivation: the rules determining the form and linear order of their constituent morphemes.