A Systemic Functional Linguistic Re-interpretation of Modality Types

In SFL, modality refers to the semantic space between positive and negative poles, and it is regarded as an important interpersonal resource. However, there are still problems with the systemic functional description of the modality system. For example, the classification of the modality system manifests simplicity and vagueness; discussions of subjectivity and objectivity of modality appear contradictory; and the metafunctional diversity of the modality system is ignored. The ambiguity of the theory and system leads to inconsistent typological accounts of modality. In resolving these problems, we contribute to a better understanding of modality, thereby providing an integrated typological framework for its description. The study finds that modality can be categorized into three major types based on two parameters. There are three different meanings given to the term “subjectivity”, and Halliday’s account of subjective and objective modality assumes speaker’s involvement and reflects varying levels of commitment on the part of the speaker. The differences between modality types and their distinction in terms of subjectivity and objectivity are gradual rather than categorical. They form a continuum along the cline of interpersonal and ideational metafunction.