1 Introduction
1.1 Preamble
1.2 Background to the research
1.3 Theoretical framework
1.4 Research questions
1.5 Data and methodology
1.6 The organization of the book
2 Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Modality in English
2.3 Modality in Modern Chinese
2.4 Modality in SFL
2.4.1 Halliday (1985, 1994); Halliday & Matthiessen (2014)
2.4.2 Thompson (1996, 2004, 2013)
2.4.3 Martin (1990, 1992); Martin & White (2005); Martin & Rose (2007)
2.4.4 Fawcett (2008, forthcoming)
2.4.5 Zhu (1985, 1996); Halliday & McDonald (2004); Li (2007)
3 Systemic Functional Theory Revisited
3.1 Introduction
3.2 SFL as a general linguistic theory
3.3 The "architecture" of language
3.3.1 Stratification
3.3.2 Instantiation
3.3.3 Metafunction
3.3.4 Axis (paradigmatic organization)
3.3.5 Axis (syntagmatic organization)
3.3.6 Rank
3.4 Reasons for adopting the systemic functional approach
3.5 Summary
4 A Short Overview of Chinese Lexicogrammar
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Interpersonal meaning - the system of MOOD
4.3 Experiential meaning - the system of TRANSITIVITY
4.4 Textual meaning - the system of THEME and INFORMATION
4.5 Logical meaning - the systems of TAXIS and LOGICO-SEMANTIC TYPES
5 The System of Types of Modality
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Two major types of modality
5.3 Modulation
5.3.1 Obligation
5.3.2 Inclination
5.3.3 Ability
5.4 Modalization: probability
5.4.1 Certainty
5.4.2 Median probability
5.4.3 Possibility
5.5 Usuality in Chinese
5.6 Summary
6 The System of Realization of Types of Modality
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Modalization: the system of ORIENTATIONS
6.3 Modulation: the system of ORIENTATION
6.4 The notion of "cline"
7 Realizations of Modality in the Textual Structure of Clause
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Realizations of modality in the thematic structure
7.2.1 Modal adverbs of probability as the interpersona
