The aim of this study is to define the seven key criteria which ensure that a text functions as a text and to illustrate them by using concrete examples from the speech ‘A More Perfect Union’ by Barack Obama. It will be discussed how each criterion operates to make a text a text and thereby fulfil its textual function. At the beginning and as an introduction to the topic, the term text will be defined and the connection to the seven standards of textuality will be set up. This will lead to the main part of the work, in which the definition of each of the seven key criteria and their functionality will be pointed out, explained by means of concrete examples from the speech of Barack Obama. The conclusion consists of a condensed summary of the topic.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
1.1. Aim of this study
1.2. Structure of this study
2 Definition of text
3 Main part
3.1 Cohesion
3.2 Coherence
3.3 Informativity
3.4 Intentionality
3.5 Acceptability
3.6 Situationality
3.7 Intertextuality
4 Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this study is to define the seven key criteria of textuality that ensure functional communication and to illustrate these features through practical examples derived from Barack Obama's speech 'A More Perfect Union'.
- The theoretical definition of a "text" as a communicative occurrence.
- Detailed exploration of the seven standards of textuality (Cohesion, Coherence, Informativity, Intentionality, Acceptability, Situationality, and Intertextuality).
- The role of the text producer and the recipient in establishing successful communication.
- Analysis of how linguistic devices and situational contexts shape meaning.
- Application of textuality standards to real-world political discourse.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Cohesion
Cohesion is a central feature for the creation of a text and it “is the most palpably linguistic”15 of all seven standards. It helps to provide a texture as “a property of the linguistic surface of the text”16 and cares about the question of how the clauses and sentences hold together.17 Cohesive dependencies can exist within one single sentence as well as between sentences, but whereas cohesion within a sentence is direct and in most cases obvious, it is more difficult for the recipient to perceive cohesion between a plurality of sentences.18 In this regard, it is necessary that sentences are processed in succession and that they are connected with each other, because it is not possible for the recipient to determine if a sentence is inappropriate, incorrect or not fitting into the context when it is examined in isolation.19
There exist five main devices of cohesion which are reference, substitution, ellipsis, lexical cohesion and conjunction. Reference describes the relation between an item of the text and another element the item refers to and to which it is interpreted via a semantic link.20 In general, one can say that wherever making reference between two items or elements is required for the sake of interpretation, cohesion is set up.21 Reference items can be subdivided in exophoric and endophoric reference. While exophoric reference lies outside of the text, endophoric reference is found within and rests on anaphora, a backward reference, and cataphora, a forward reference.22
Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: This chapter defines the scope of the study, introduces the research aim regarding the seven standards of textuality, and outlines the structure of the work.
2 Definition of text: This section explores what constitutes a text, moving beyond mere grammatical units to define it as a communicative occurrence that relies on the interaction between producer and recipient.
3 Main part: This section provides a detailed analysis of the seven standards of textuality—Cohesion, Coherence, Informativity, Intentionality, Acceptability, Situationality, and Intertextuality—and applies them to Barack Obama's speech.
4 Conclusion: The final chapter summarizes the findings, emphasizing that the interplay of all seven standards is essential for successful textual communication and the ongoing interaction between participants.
Keywords
Textuality, Cohesion, Coherence, Informativity, Intentionality, Acceptability, Situationality, Intertextuality, Text Linguistics, Communication, Barack Obama, Discourse Analysis, Communicative Occurrence, Linguistic Surface, Pragmatic Parameters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this research?
The work investigates the fundamental criteria that transform a sequence of sentences into a functional text, focusing on the seven standards of textuality.
What are the central thematic areas covered in this study?
The study covers the definition of text, the linguistic and contextual standards that guide textual interpretation, and the roles of producers and recipients in the communication process.
What is the core research goal?
The goal is to define the seven key criteria of textuality and demonstrate their practical application using examples from Barack Obama's 'A More Perfect Union' speech.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The author uses a qualitative approach, combining established linguistic theories of textuality with a case-study analysis of a political speech.
What topics are discussed in the main section of the paper?
The main section provides an in-depth breakdown of Cohesion, Coherence, Informativity, Intentionality, Acceptability, Situationality, and Intertextuality, supported by textual examples.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include textuality, cohesion, coherence, informativity, intentionality, acceptability, situationality, intertextuality, and discourse analysis.
How does the author define the relationship between cohesion and coherence?
The author describes cohesion as "coherence at the textual surface," noting that while they are distinct, they are interdependent and both essential for text processing.
What role does the recipient play in determining text functionality?
The recipient acts as a critical factor, not only in interpreting meaning and inferring implicit information but also in tolerating potential inconsistencies and judging the relevance of the text.
How is situationality integrated into the analysis?
Situationality is analyzed through the lens of external circumstances and "extra-linguistic factors," explaining how the context of 2008 U.S. politics influences the reception of Obama's speech.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Cornelius Nolte (Autor:in), 2021, What makes a text a text? Criteria for text functionality, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1190103
