ABSTRACT
Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) is a theory of language that focuses on how language functions and is structured to function to make meaning and achieve communicative goals in social contexts. Complementing the structural perspective on language that is concerned with how the elements are ordered together (syntagmatic view), this theory gives priority to the paradigmatic conceptualization of language as a system of choices, where each choice has meaning against the system of other options that are not selected. The aim of the chapter is to bring together the two fields—SFL and L2 pragmatics and demonstrate how SFL can enable new perspectives, reveal less explored research foci, and offer different methodological tools which would lead to further insights about the nature of L2 learning, communicative competence, and effective instruction. The chapter begins with a discussion of the commonalities between the two fields. Then, it presents some unique aspects of the systemic functional theory that can help enrich our understanding of L2 pragmatics. The theoretical overview is followed by a review of SFL-based studies of L2 performance and development that shows what, precisely, SFL can reveal about L2 pragmatics. The chapter concludes with applications of the SFL-based approach to instruction that aims to foster L2 pragmalinguistic and sociopragmatic competence, as well as suggestions for future research.
