Misconstruing Adversative Addition (Extension) As Manner: Comparison (Enhancement)

Martin (1992: 203):

The external comparison network is a small one; the basic opposition is between [contrast] and [similarity]:

CONTRAST

[4:95]  Whereas usually we win

            this time we lost. 

SIMILARITY

[4:96]  As usually happens

            we won.

Blogger Comments:

[1] This confuses the notion of contrast (A in contrast to B) with the notion of dissimilarity (A is unlike B).

[2] In SFL theory, the logical relation in [4:95] is extension: addition: adversative ('but').  Its meaning is X and conversely Y: usually we win and conversely (but) this time we lost.  (The logical relation in [4:96] is manner: comparison — N is like M).

The basic opposition that is proposed for 'external comparison' (enhancement) is thus, in SFL terms, between adversative addition (extension) and manner: comparison (enhancement).