Problems With The Notion Of Context Skewing Language System Probabilities

Doran, Martin & Zappavigna (2025: 11-12):

The resonance between discourse semantic systems and register variables is annotated in Figure 1.5 – with field skewing probabilities in IDEATION and CONNEXION systems, mode skewing probabilities in PERIODICITY and IDENTIFICATION systems and tenor skewing probabilities in NEGOTIATION and APPRAISAL systems.

Reviewer Comments:

[1] As previously explained, context-metafunction resonance means

• differences in field are realised by differences in ideational meaning,
• differences in tenor are realised by differences in interpersonal meaning, and
• differences in mode are realised by differences in textual meaning.

As previously demonstrated, the authors misunderstand context-metafunction resonance as an exclusive relation between context and language on the basis of metafunction. 

[2] As previously explained, this misunderstands the relation between context and registers of language in SFL Theory. Halliday (2005 [1991]: 60):

Register variation can be defined as the skewing of (some of) these overall probabilities, in the environment of some specific configuration of field, tenor and mode. It is variation in the tendency to select certain meanings rather than others, realising variation in the situation type.

That is, different registers are defined by having different probabilities of selection of semantic and lexicogrammatical features, with each register realising a different configuration of field, tenor and mode variables, and each of these defining a different situation type. Importantly, the skewing of probabilities is not caused by the contextual variables of field, tenor and mode, if only because the relation between context and language is not causal (enhancement), but one of intensive identity (elaboration).