Systemic Functional Linguistics and its Application to Foreign Language Teaching

Abstract

This paper discusses key concepts concerning the relationship between Systemic Functional Linguistics and language teaching; as well as historical developments of this functional school and implications for an understanding of its role in language teaching. The discussion centers around the relationship between theory and application; different methodological orientations in language teaching; and the role of explicit knowledge about language. The paper maintains that from a SFL perspective; theory and practice are not seen as separate or hierarchical; but rather as having a dialectical relationship. SFL can be situated within the communicative family of methodological approaches to language teaching; as a theory of language with an extensive lexicogrammatical core; SFL takes a position which emphasizes the positive role of explicit knowledge about language and its use; especially knowledge involving the connection between discourse phenomena and lexicogrammatical patterns; as an important contribution not only to language teaching but also to an understanding of language and human nature.