Transitivity-Based Foregrounding in the Acts of the Apostles: A Functional-Grammatical Approach to the Lukan Perspective (Journal for the Study of the New Testament Supplement) [Hardcover]

Gustavo Martin-Asensio (Author)

Book Description

Series: Journal for the Study of the New Testament Supplement | Publication Date: November 1, 2000

This study of the language of Acts is based on M. A. K. Halliday's functional grammar, which offers a theory based on linguistic choices and the effects they have on readers or hearers. Interacting with selected interpretations from, among others, C.K. Barrett, Ben C. Witherington, Jerome Neyrey, Jacob Jervell and John Lentz, Martín-Asensio argues that transitivity ('who does what to whom') emerges as a key factor in the foregrounding scheme of Acts, and this analysis offers a linguistically based perspective on Luke's overall concern to underline the supremacy of the divine will on the stage of human affairs.

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About the Author

Gustavo Mart'n-Asensio is an independent scholar living in London.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Sheffield Academic Press (November 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841271640
• ISBN-13: 978-1841271644
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,300,836 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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4.0 out of 5 stars Hallidayan analysis of the Greek in Acts, February 1, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Transitivity-Based Foregrounding in the Acts of the Apostles: A Functional-Grammatical Approach to the Lukan Perspective (Journal for the Study of the New Testament Supplement) (Hardcover)

This is an application of Hallidayan Functional Grammar to selected episodes (including narrative and speech material) of Acts. The book is a revision of the author's Ph.D. thesis completed at the University of Surrey, U.K. in 1999.

Among the episodes studied are the Pentecost episode, Stephen's arrest and speech, and the epiosode of Paul's shipwreck in Acts 27. The author applies Hallidayian grammar to the transitivity choices made by 'Luke' (the 'who does what do whom' statements) and concludes that 'Luke's' perspective on the divine control over human affairs is purposely reflected in his linguistic choices at the clause level and below.