Linguistic Analysis of Naguib Mahfouz’s Short Story, The Answer is No, Using Systemic Functional Grammar

Abstract

This study presents a mixed-method analysis of Naguib Mahfouz’s short story "The Answer is No," utilizing Halliday’s Systemic Functional Grammar to examine transitivity processes. The research explores how Material, Mental, Relational, Behavioral, Verbal, and Existential processes reveal the protagonist's internal conflict and emotional states. Material processes dominate the narrative, constituting 66.15% of the total, indicating a strong emphasis on physical actions and events that drive the plot forward. Mental processes account for 15.38%, highlighting the protagonist's internal experiences. Relational processes, making up 7.69%, establish her identity and relationships. Behavioral processes constitute 3.08%, adding nuance through observable behaviors, while Verbal processes, at 6.15%, underscore the role of communication. Existential processes, at 1.54%, mark significant moments of realization. The distribution of these transitivity processes illustrates a narrative deeply concerned with both external actions and internal experiences. This analysis underscores the intricate interplay between action and introspection, revealing a narrative that is both dynamic and introspective, with a profound emphasis on the protagonist's resilience and strength.