A Systemic Functional Approach to Language Evolution

Abstract

An approach to interpreting possible steps in language evolution is offered here from systemic functional linguistic (SFL) theory. SFL models language at three levels from sounds to wordings to complex patterns of social discourse. Typological studies in this framework have shown striking commonalities at each level across languages, that are not yet adequately accounted for by existing models of language phylogenesis. Four conditions are suggested for developing explanatory models that may account for these linguistic phenomena. These include (a) a mechanism for reproducing complex cultural behaviours intergenerationally over extended time, (b) a sequence by which articulated wordings could evolve from non-linguistic primate communication, (c) extension of the functions of wording from enacting interpersonal interactions to representing speakers' experience, and (d) the emergence of complex patterns of discourse for delicately negotiating social relations, and for construing experience in genres such as narrative. These conditions are explored, and some possible steps in language evolution are suggested, that may be correlated with both linguistic research and archaeological models of cultural phases in human evolution. The aims of the article are to offer some useful tools to the field of language evolution, at the same time as indicating potential interpretations of existing work, using insights from SFL research.

Neural correlates of Early Stone Age toolmaking: technology, language and cognition in human evolution

“…The increasingly anterior and RH-dominant frontal activation during Late Acheulean toolmaking reflects the more complex, multi-level structure of the task (figure 3), which includes the flexible iteration of multi-step processes in the context of larger scale technical goals. This characterization further invites comparison with the hierarchy of phonological-, syntactic-, semantic-and discourse-level processing that is characteristic of human linguistic behaviour (Hagoort 2005;Rose 2006). …”

Pedagogic register analysis: mapping choices in teaching and learning

“…With variations, it is remarkable how universal is the structuring of learning cycles (at least where a teacher is present to focus and evaluate tasks). As with pedagogic relations and modalities, these structures seem to have evolved as a fundamental human resource for cultural reproduction (Rose 2006).…”

Analisis Fatwa Mui Tentang Larangan Penggunaan Atribut Natal Bagi Muslim : Sebuah Praktik Analisis Wacana Kritis

“…Linguistic sistemik fungsional ini kemudian berkembang demikian pesat mengikuti perkembangan ilmu pengetahuan social dan budaya. Karena SFL ini mendasarkan teori bahwa sesungguhnya bahasa itu merupakan realitas social, (Rose, 2006) maka perkembangan ini pun bukan menjadi sesuatu yang musykil seiring dengan kemajuan social dan budayanya. Martin menyatakan bahwa linguistic sistemik fungsional berfokus pada pilihan bahasa, dengan berbagai unsur di dalamnya yang memiliki makna berbeda.…”