This work investigates textual meaning in Tagalog within the framework of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) through an analysis of two of its genres, namely biographies and romance narratives. Previous research on Tagalog grammar from other linguistic theories has presented limits in its description such as the existence of definite articles, a passive voice, a system of tonicity and Subjects. More recently, extensive research on Tagalog within the SFL framework in order to alleviate these issues has been conducted in the experiential and interpersonal metafunctions (Martin 1981; 1983; 1990; 1993; 1996; 2004). However there is still limited research on the textual metafunction in Tagalog. The lack of research on textual meanings in Tagalog has raised certain questions in regards to the definition of Theme, participant identification, periodicity, and New in Tagalog.

Kent Kerwin A Ramos is a PhD candidate in linguistics at The University of Sydney, Australia. His thesis is concerned with grammatical metaphor and the intellectualisation of Filipino through the exploration and analysis of tertiary level linguistics and chemistry textbooks. His research interests are functional grammar and linguistic typology.