Dynamism in exchange structure

Abstract

This paper considers the meaning of the term ‘dynamism’ in relation to systemic functional linguistic accounts of exchange structure, in which a distinction is often drawn between ‘dynamic’ accounts and ‘synoptic’ accounts. The paper then discusses and develops a model of exchange structure which is intended to be dynamic, focusing in turn on ‘supporting moves’, ‘queries’ and ‘challenges’. The eventual aim is that the model should be applicable to various forms of discourse, bringing out the differences between them and relating these to the contexts of situation. Applications to be particularly considered in the present paper are to classroom discourse and to a sociologically interesting form of discourse such as interviews with young offenders.