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Abstract Abstract: Within the analytical framework of clause complex in Systemic Functional Linguistics, this paper examines the logical dependency relations and logical-semantic relations between clauses in the original and five simplified versions of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and compares the different choices of simplification strategies. It is found that the simplified versions increase the use of parataxis while reduce the use of hypotaxis, which facilitates narrative construction and the target readers’ understanding of the texts. Different simplified versions demonstrate discrepancy in the simplification strategies for elaborating, extending and enhancing clauses. The various choices of simplification strategies result in different semantic changes and indicate different communicative purposes. The use of direct quote of speech/thought increases in the simplified versions, which vividly represents characters’ images. It is hoped the findings could shed light on how syntactic complexity may affect the readability of texts, and how to write for the sake of readability.
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