Monday, 24 May 2021

Distinctions Among Subtypes Of Sensing: (5) Directionality

Halliday & Matthiessen (1999: 141):
Processes of emotion are typically bidirectional. They can be construed either as the emotion ranging over the Phenomenon or as the Phenomenon causing the emotion — as in 
I like Mozart's music (the 'like' type) : Mozart's music pleases me (the 'please' type). 
Here the grammar of English construes a complementarity between two conflicting interpretations of emotional processes, with opposing angles on whether we are in control of our emotions, as if neither one by itself constitutes a rounded construction of experience. 

Processes of desideration are not bidirectional; here there is no 'please' type, only the 'like' type. Here the grammar upholds the view that we are in control of our desires. 

Cognitive and perceptive processes may be bidirectional but favour the 'like' type — perception almost exclusively so; 'please' type perception such as the noise assailed my ears seems quite marginal.


Blogger Comments:

The 'like' type is termed 'emanating', the 'please' type 'impinging'.

I want that dessert (emanating) : that dessert tempts me (impinging)