1 Modelling context

This chapter proposes a new perspective on modelling field, tenor, and mode in systemic functional linguistics (SFL). It outlines the implications of this new perspective for SFL’s conception of realisation, instantiation, and individuation. The chapter argues that realisation critically impacts the decision to adopt a stratified model of context and the relationship between extrinsic and intrinsic functionality. It suggests that instantiation is critical for principles of coupling, such as mass, presence, and association. Furthermore, the chapter proposes that individuation is critical for perspectives of allocation and affiliation, aiming to develop a model that fully embraces a multimodal perspective on language and related modalities of communication as resources for meaning.

2 Semantic variation

This chapter outlines an SFL framework for the study of semantic variation organized around three hierarchies of meaning – realisation, instantiation, and individuation. The paper draws attention to key developments in viewing the register variables of field, tenor, and mode from multiple perspectives, focusing on reconstruing them as resources for making meaning and reconsidering register from a multifunctional perspective on knowledge building, social relations, and context dependency. The paper sets aside work on affiliation and provides references for further reading in this area. Alternative SFL perspectives on context, more strongly influenced by Hasan and her colleagues, are also mentioned.

3 Register as a resource

activity and the ways in which language is used within them. However, we propose a shift in perspective to view field not as a classification but as a resource for making meaning. By focusing on field as a resource, we aim to highlight the role that field plays in guiding choices in instantiation and shaping the meaning potential of language. This approach allows for a more dynamic understanding of field and its relationship with language use. Additionally, we aim to explore field as an arena of variation, contestation, and collaboration, which will be further illustrated through the analysis of cell biology and data from secondary school science teaching.

3.2 Tenor as a resource

In a similar vein to our discussion of field, we propose a reconceptualization of tenor as a resource for making meaning. Instead of viewing tenor as a static classification, we argue that tenor should be seen as guiding principles for the probabilistic co-selection and arrangement of choices in instantiation. This shifts the focus from considering tenor as fixed categories to understanding tenor as a dynamic and influential force in shaping language use. Furthermore, we will explore tenor as an arena of variation, contestation, and collaboration, demonstrating its role in shaping interpersonal meanings in language.

3.3 Mode as a resource

Building on our reconceptualization of field and tenor, we also propose a rethinking of mode as a resource for making meaning. Rather than treating mode as a rigid categorization, we argue that mode should be viewed as guiding principles for the probabilistic co-selection and arrangement of choices in instantiation, linking more closely to Halliday’s ‘register’ and Gregory’s ‘diatype’. By considering mode in this way, we can better understand its role in shaping textual meanings in language. We also briefly touch upon the perspective of mode as an arena of variation, contestation, and collaboration, further highlighting its influence on language use.

4 Multifunctional instantiation: mass, association, and presence

This section introduces a multifunctional perspective on the traditional concerns of field, tenor, and mode studies. The proposals for mass, association, and presence as principles of co-selection during the process of instantiation were discussed, and their relevance to science infographics was further elaborated. It proposed expanding SFL's concept of specialized knowledge and include both interpersonal and textual perspectives as well by discussing technicality and iconisation. Lastly, the role of aggregation as a process whereby texts package their presentation of knowledge and values was discussed.

5 Perspectives on context

This chapter discusses the expansion of the context plane in systemic functional linguistics (SFL) to include genre and the development of the cline of instantiation. It presents a reconceptualization of field, tenor, and mode in terms of realisation as meaning-making resources. The model focuses on how different choices are brought together and sequenced, presenting the principles of mass, association, and presence, which organize how different sets of choices from the immense set of possibilities in language are taken up. The chapter also explores the dimension of individuation, which considers how language varies within a community and how people use language to come together and build community. It highlights the rich and multifaceted way language is interconnected with society and emphasizes the need for theoretical and descriptive space to model language and society's interconnectedness, recognizing the potential for SFL as an appliable linguistics to make the world a better place.