Misconstruing Different Systems As Divergent Classifications

Martin (1992: 170-1):

The problem of just how to classify the logico-semantic relations that can be realised through the diversified realisations outlined above is a difficult one.  A large number of classifications have been proposed… .  Another source of divergence among the classifications has to do with the type of realisation is taken as point of departure for the analysis.  Halliday & Hasan for example focus on cohesive relations between clause complexes, Martin (1983) bases his classification on hypotactic conjunctions and Halliday (1985) develops a categorisation for paratactic and hypotactic relations within the clause complex.  Given the different oppositions as one moves from one of these types of realisation to another, not to mention the problem of universalist vs particularist schemes, it is hardly surprising that the classifications that have been proposed are divergent in many respects.

Blogger Comment:

The "divergence" here reflects two distinct lexicogrammatical systems.  Halliday & Hasan are concerned with cohesive conjunction, a non-structural resource of the textual metafunction, whereas Halliday (1985) is concerned with the logical structure of clause complexes.

See also the earlier post on expansion and projection as transphenomenal fractal types here.