Abstract: This study explores the linguistic operating mechanisms of classical Chinese texts and their pedagogical applications. It uses systemic functional linguistics as a theoretical framework. By integrating thematic analysis, the study analyses 32 texts spanning from the Pre-Qin period to the Qing dynasty. These texts cover genres such as poetry, Ci, memoirs, discourses, essays, and memorials. The findings reveal that, at the ideational level, cultural symbols such as "moon", "wine", and "lotus" construct the field and convey social meanings through transitivity processes and the voice system. At the interpersonal level, mood and modality systems realise the author's emotional stance and communicative strategies, while natural imagery and cultural symbols concretise emotions. At the textual level, information structures promote discourse coherence and manifest genre structures such as "introduction-body-conclusion". Based on these findings, this study proposes a discourse-analysis-oriented teaching model for classical Chinese, including strategies such as semantic mapping, modular imitation, and structural transfer, and designs a literacy assessment system grounded in the three metafunctions. This provides an innovative pathway for classical Chinese instruction that combines theoretical depth with practical value.
Keywords: systemic functional linguistics, classical Chinese texts, discourse analysis, cultural symbols, pedagogical application
DOI: 10.30275/JCLE.202606_24(1).0005
Please Cite: Zhang, Y. Z. 张燕珠(2026)基于系统功能语言学的文言语篇分析:语言运作机制与教学应用研究(Discourse analysis of classical Chinese texts from a systemic functional linguistics perspective: Linguistic mechanisms and pedagogical applications),《华文学刊》(Journal of Chinese Language Education),24(1),68-90。