THE PHILOSOPHY OF SYSTEMIC FUNCTIONAL LINGUISTICS ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

Abstract

This paper explores the philosophy of Systemic Functional Linguistics regarding the relationship between language and culture. Halliday (1985) identiöed
three main layers of meaning: experiential meaning, interpersonal meaning and textual meaning. These layers are generated and coordinated to perform
linguistic functions within the context of both situational and cultural contexts, demonstrating that language not only reøects but also constructs and maintains
cultural values. The article applies this theory to the analysis of English and Vietnamese, shedding light on how cultural values are reøected in language. The
research employs descriptive and analytical methods to examine the ideological values of Systemic Functional Linguistics concerning the relationship between
language and culture. It also draws on 319 samples from various texts about the natural and social environment to explain and exemplify how culture and
language manifest in the process of function formation. The results show that the relationship between language and culture in Systemic Functional Linguistic
theory is based on the process of language and culture formation, reøecting human experiences both internal and external. It is a process of forming and realizing
the functions of language, while also reøecting the cultural characteristics of the community. The öndings also affirm that language is a central element in
constructing and maintaining culture.