A workshop on Rhetoric and Function was held at the Martin Center of Appliable Linguistics of Shanghai Jiaotong University  on June 8.  This event was sponsored by Martin Centre for Appliable Linguistics (Martin Centre) of SJTU, Department of Chinese Language and Literature of Fudan University, and Contemporary Rhetoric. Scholars from the fields of rhetoric and systemic functional Linguistics gathered at Martin Center for interdisciplinary, multidimensional research on the "Rhetoric and Function" of language.

Professor Hu Zhuanglin, a leading figure in the field of Systemic Functional Linguistics in China, Lu Jianming, one of the eight masters of modern Chinese grammar in the 20th century and Professor Ma Zhen, an expert in Chinese language studies, came to the workshop and delivered wonderful academic keynote speeches.

Other Keynote speakers were professor Mao Luming from University of Utah, Professor Xu Shenghuan from Henan University, Professor Liao Qiaoyun from Shanghai International Studies University, Professor Liu Chendan from Henan University, Professor Li Zhanzi from National University of Defense Technology, Professor Hewei from Beijing Foreign Studies University and Professor Jiang Yong from Fudan University.

Professor Zhu Keyi from Fudan University, Professor Wang Zhenhua, associate Professor Lai Liangtao and associate Professor Huan Changpeng from Martin Center chaired different sessions respectively.

This workshop attracted doctoral students and scholars from several universities in China.