本书采用基于语料库的多维度分析方法，探讨了英语语域变异与语境因素的关系。语域变异研究，即对不同语域的对比分析，是语篇分析的重要内容。以往的语域变异研究大多集中于分析语域在某一个维度上的差异。由语料库语言学家Douglas Biber创立的多维度语域变异分析模式(简称MD模式)利用语料库技术，对语域变异进行多维度的分析描写。MD研究的最大特点是强调描写的多维性。

本书主要内容有MD研究的背景、目的、意义、论述了MD分析模式与系统功能语言学模式的共通之出、描述了多维度语域变异分析的结果并对语域变异特征进行了分析和阐释，揭示了语域变异与语境因素的多维关系。

序

导读

Preface

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Survey of Literature

 2.1 Overview of previous studies on register variation

 2.2 The Multi-dimensional approach to register variation

 2.3 The advantages of the MD analysis

 2.4 The Systemic-functional approach

 2.5 Terminologies in the present study：register，genre and text types

 2.6 The model of context for the present analysis

 2.7 Common ground between SFL and the MD approach

 2.8 Probabilistic grammar

 2.9 Review of the MD studies

 2.10 Overview of register studies in systemic tradition

 2.11 Gaps in the literature and the need for the integrated Approach

 2.12 Summary

Chapter 3 Research Design

 3.1 Text selection

 3.2 Variables for the study：linguistic features

 3.3 Systemic coder as the tagging tool

 3.4 Procedure of the research

 3.5 Summary

Chapter 4 Dimensions of Variations among the Registers

 4.1 Interpretation of the dimensions

 4.2 Variations of the registers along dimensions

 4.3 Extending the description：a cluster analysis of the register relations across dimensions

 4.4 Generalizations

 4.5 Summary

Chapter 5 Linguistic Functions，Context and Register Variation

 5.1 Introduction：the co-occurring features revisited

 5.2 Functionality of co-occurring linguistic features on Dimension 1

 5.3 Functionality of co-occurring linguistic features on Dimension 2

 5.4 Functionality of co-occurring linguistic features on Dimension 3

 5.5 Functionality of co-occurring linguistic features on Dimension 4

 5.6 Functionality Of co-occurring linguistic features on Dimension 5

 5.7 Functionality Of co-occurring linguistic features on Dimension 6

 5.8 Dimensional relations and functionality of linguistic features

 5.9 Register variations and cognitive function of the linguistic features

 5.10 Summary

Chapter 6 Conclusions

 6.1 Summary of the Major Findings and Contributions

 6.2 Theoretical implications

 6.3 Limitations and future research

Appendix I Sources of the Texts Used in the Study

Appendix II Multi-dimensional profiles of each register

Bibliography