Interpersonal Meaning in Media Headlines: A Systemic Functional Analysis of "Be Ready to Be Shocked and Offended at University"

Abstract

This study investigates the interpersonal meaning embedded in the media headline "Be Ready to Be Shocked and Offended at University" through the lens of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), particularly focusing on the interpersonal metafunction. The research aims to uncover how language choices in headlines shape social relations, attitudes, and reader engagement. Using Halliday’s framework, the analysis explores mood, modality, and appraisal elements that contribute to the speaker–reader interaction. The findings reveal that the imperative mood and evaluative lexis in the headline construct a provocative and authoritative stance, positioning the writer as an assertive informant while inviting readers into a shared evaluative perspective. This interactional strategy not only grabs attention but also subtly influences public perception of the university experience. The study highlights the persuasive power of headlines and their role in constructing ideological stances in media discourse.