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An Analysis of <i>A Long Walk to Freedom</i> from the Perspective of Transitivity System
China West Normal University, Nanchong, China
Peking University, Beijing, China
- 1 China West Normal University, Nanchong, China
- 2 Peking University, Beijing, China
Open Journal of Modern Linguistics·Volume 10 (2020)·Pages 195–202·Published 28 May 2020·DOI10.4236/ojml.2020.103012
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Abstract
The application of Systemic Functional Linguistic theories into text analysis is not new, and so is the transitivity system. This paper combines the qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to elucidate how Mandela, chapter 115 of A Long Walk to Freedom , deploys the elements of transitivity system to expound his ideas to his compatriots and align them together with him to fight for their freedom. The findings show that he mainly incorporates material processes and relational processes and deliberately uses the passive voice to invoke his fellow countrymen to fulfill the role of “actors”.
KeywordsMeaning of FreedomTransitivity SystemSystemic Functional Linguistics
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