Critical Discourse Analysis and the Functional Bases of Language

ABSTRACT: This study seeks to illustrate in what way congruence in theoretical approaches allows for the study of transitive processes, interactional processes as well as grammatical and lexico-semantic elements that stand out in discourse as a social practice. In light of this, a brief overview will be given of three inter-related language systems given that the study seeks to establish a dialogue between the functional bases of language and a critical discourse analysis model. Based upon an empirical analysis, considerations will be made as to what extent discursive-linguistic structures identify within a given text, in accordance with Halliday’s proposal, categories related to embedded clauses as processes, speech acts or as messages. This also reflects actional, representational and identificational meanings as suggested in Fairclough’s Social Theory of Discourse.