Introduction: communicative dynamism

Abstract

This issue on Communicative Dynamism brings together contributions investigating various dimensions of what is most commonly called information structure. In terms of theoretical affiliation, all contributors have their roots in the Hallidayan functional tradition, whose indebtedness to Prague School linguistics is well-established (e.g., Halliday 1974; Davidse 1987). By choosing the term Communicative Dynamism coined by Czech linguist Jan Firbas as the theme of the issue, we pay tribute to the pioneering role played by the Prague School and to the lasting modernity and relevance of their work. In this introduction, we first outline the theoretical notions and descriptive distinctions proposed by the Prague School that are relevant to this issue (Section 1). In Section 3, we discuss the various dimensions of information structure and communicative dynamism addressed in the contributions. In tackling specific theoretical and descriptive issues, the contributions incorporate elements not only from Hallidayan and Prague School functionalism but also from other traditions such as Cognitive Grammar, which we cover in Section 2. This eclectic functionalism is in accordance with VilémMathesius’ adage “Language is a fortress that must be assailed from all sides and with every kind of weapon” (Chovanec 2014, 6), which Jan Firbas loved to cite (Firbas 1992b, 167).