To answer Joanna's question whether Halliday recognizes speech act theory,
I was certain he does, so I got out my copy of An Introduction to
Functional Grammar, 2nd edition, 1994.   Chapter 10, pages 340-367, is
devoted to what systemicists call grammatical metaphor.  They discuss it so
much that elsewhere they abbreviate it and call it GM.  At the bottom of
365 Halliday says, "Metaphors of this kind have been extensively studied in
speech act theory, originally under the heading of 'perlocutionary' acts." 
An example analyzed on page 367 compares "Is the position still available?"
with "I was wondering if the position is still available."

Systemic functional grammar emphasizes that all language is involved in
contexts, ranging from overall culture down to specific identities of
speaker and hearer accomplishing a certain action.  Pages 368-390 present
an extensive analysis of a short conversation, noting in detail three basic
features that all languge use exhibits: 
 1. Field, from general (time and place) to specific to task and the means
of achievement
2. Tenor, which describes the participants in the conversation and their
status and  relationship
3. Mode, in this case "Natural, spontaneous speech.  One-sided dialogue
(monologue with acknowledgments).  Part 1, expository:
exposition-doubt-explanation.  Part 2, exhortatory:
injunction-doubtillustration and reassurance."
    
Other systemicists, such as Hasan,  Matthiessen, and Martin, have worked
extensively with the theory.  Systemicists often start by explaining the
role of context when they write of educational applications for teachers
and other people not already well versed in SFG.  For a readable example,
see English Grammar, A Functional Approach, by John Collerson, published
originally by the Primary English Teaching Association in Australia in
1994.  

Carolyn Hartnett
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