Lexicogrammar: The powerhouse of language

Lise Fontaine

Abstract

This paper presents a theoretical position on the nature of the lexicogrammar within systemic functional linguistics (SFL). It aims to offer new perspectives on our understanding of the lexical aspect of the lexicogrammar by extending the SFL concept of meaning potential. In doing so two different system-instance relations are differentiated, those of instantiation and actualisation. The paper argues that it is the concept of meaning potential that provides the main source of power within the SFL framework in terms of Halliday’s view of the lexicogrammar as the powerhouse of language. It also argues that lexicogrammar needs to be further developed concerning the lexis part in order to avoid blind spots in the theory.