Semiotic System Two dimensions: a

content, or meaning and an expression , or

realization.

Arbitrary dimensions between both.

Linguistic signs stand in opposition to others

signs

also established by conventions.

1English Grammar II

Relations between signsSyntagmatic axis: relations of sequence or chainParadigmatic axis: relations of oppositions or

choice

Structure set of functional constituents insyntagmatic relations

Systemic Functional Linguistics captures both relations, (theoretical priority to paradigmatic relations)

2English Grammar II

Systems and their relationships with structures

System: a set of two or more signs (called “terms”) of which only one must be chosen.

First choice made: the least delicate choice (the one with minor priority)

Last choice made: the most delicate choice (the one with mayor priority)

This captures the paradigmatic relations between choices

A complete network captures also the syntagmatic relations between constituents through structures.

English Grammar II 3

We model language as choice.

It is necessary to capture what choices speakers could make because it is only by knowing what someone could have meant that we can understand in full the meaning of what they did mean.

What you can mean: linguistic potential What you do mean on any particular occasion:

actual

System networks capture the meaning potential available to speakers.

Priority of paradigmatic relations

4English Grammar II