Abstract

Nominalization structure exists in a wide variety genres, news is a sort of genre that uses nominalization in relatively high frequency. The thesis, mainly based on Systemic-Functional Grammar, analyzes the nominative structure and its functions in English news discourses. Nominalization been widely applied by different genres, it would be because it has an irreplaceable functions. Discussing the functions of nominalization, from the perspective of Systemic-Functional Grammar, mainly expands from three aspects. Those are ideational functions, interpersonal functions and textual functions. Under each aspect, the functions of nominalization can be refined. Nominalization is one of the basic characteristics of news discourses. The use of nominalization makes news discourses more concise, objective, and nominalization is often used to enhance the cohesion and express background and secondary information to be described by ranking clause.

Key words: nominalization, ideational function, interpersonal function, textual function

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

Ⅰ. Introduction-1

Ⅱ. Literature Review-3

2.1 Definition and types of English of nominalization-3

2.1.1 Definition of nominalization-3

2.1.2 Types of nominalization-3

2.2 Previous studies on nominalization-5

2.2.1 Jespersen’s study on nominalization-5

2.2.2 Structural approach-5

2.2.3 Transformational-generative approach-6

2.2.4 Cognitive approach-6

2.2.5 Systemic-functional approach-7

2.3 The study of news discourse-7

Ⅲ. Ideational Functions of Nominalization-8

3.1 Transference between congruent and incongruent-8

3.2 Semantic expansion-9

3.3 Densification and formality-10

Ⅳ. Interpersonal Functions and Textual Functions of Nominalization-10

4.1 Objectivity and non-negotiability-10

4.2 Cohesion-12

4.3 Information focus shifting-12

Ⅴ. Conclusion-13