The question “What makes a text a text?” is the topic of this assignment.
The definition of text has been discussed extensively among linguists. They have taken different approaches to define what makes a text a text. Although some were similar, no consensus on a definition has been reached yet. The question is particularly interesting in regard to text production. This assignment is therefore of interest to text producers and those who analyse texts. Texts serve the purpose of conveying a message or information. More literally, their purpose is to communicate with the recipient. Thus, to produce meaningful and comprehensible texts, a basic understanding of the criteria for textuality is essential.
This assignment and its results are based on an extensive literature research of books, scientific journals, and the internet. The assignment begins by exploring the definition of “text” and “textuality”. Both concepts are defined, and some linguistic issues are discussed. The work of De Beaugrande and Dressler often serves as a point of reference when discussing this topic. They defined seven criteria for textuality to distinguish texts from non-texts. These criteria are examined and defined in the third section, and examples of each criterion are given. Excerpts are taken from the “I have a dream” speech by Martin Luther King, Jr. The aim is to determine whether this speech can be regarded as a text based on the criteria of De Beaugrande and Dressler. The assignment ends with a critical discussion and conclusion.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Definitions of Text and Textuality
2.1 Text
2.2 Textuality
3. Seven Criteria of Textuality
3.1 Cohesion
3.2 Coherence
3.3 Intentionality
3.4 Acceptability
3.5 Informativity
3.6 Situationality
3.7 Intertextuality
4. Conclusion
5. Bibliography
Objectives and Topics
This assignment explores the linguistic foundations of "text" and "textuality," aiming to determine what characterizes a sequence of signs as a text. By analyzing the theoretical framework provided by De Beaugrande and Dressler, the study examines whether Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I have a dream" speech fulfills the seven fundamental criteria of textuality.
- Definitions and evolving interpretations of the term "text"
- Theoretical analysis of textuality and communication
- In-depth examination of De Beaugrande and Dressler's seven criteria
- Case study application using the "I have a dream" speech
- Critical discussion on the validity of established textual criteria
Excerpt from the Book
3.2 Coherence
In contrast to cohesion, which refers to the grammatical level, coherence refers to the context of meaning. According to Dressler, semantic coherence distinguishes texts from non-texts, such as dictionaries or collections of citations. Admittedly, those types of writing do have meaning, but every citation or entry in a dictionary stands by itself. A deeper meaning or a constant flow of interwoven information is missing. Coherence is what happens when the recipient reads the text. The recipient can find a causal connection between what is written and their existing knowledge.
For example, in his speech King describes the injustices that people of colour still experienced at the time, namely segregation, poverty and a ban on voting in several US states:
“We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro’s basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their self-hood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating: ‘For Whites Only’. We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote, and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote.”
In those sentences he gives examples of the grievances that people of colour were experiencing. Later, he says “And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.”
This sentence is particularly interesting, because it not only refers (again) to problems such as segregation and discrimination, but also mentions “the American dream”. In a broader sense, this could also refer to the Declaration of Independence and the following sentence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” This sentence basically describes the American Dream – that everyone can live the life he or she wants. Due to the previous knowledge, namely the knowledge about the American Dream, his recipients have, can connect the words with the meaning, namely “difficulties” with segregation, discrimination and injustice, and “the American Dream” with the rights granted in the Declaration of Independence. Thus, coherence can be seen as the connection between the text and the previous knowledge of the recipient.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the central question of defining "text" and outlines the methodology of analyzing the seven criteria of textuality using Martin Luther King, Jr.'s speech.
2. Definitions of Text and Textuality: Discusses various linguistic approaches to defining "text," highlighting the shift from a focus on written structures to more communication-oriented perspectives.
3. Seven Criteria of Textuality: Provides a detailed examination of cohesion, coherence, intentionality, acceptability, informativity, situationality, and intertextuality as defined by De Beaugrande and Dressler.
4. Conclusion: Critically evaluates the applicability of the seven criteria, noting their usefulness as a reference while also acknowledging their potential limitations and lack of universality.
5. Bibliography: Lists the primary and secondary sources used to support the linguistic analysis.
Keywords
Text, Textuality, Linguistics, Cohesion, Coherence, Intentionality, Acceptability, Informativity, Situationality, Intertextuality, De Beaugrande, Dressler, Communication, Linguistic criteria, Speech analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this assignment?
The assignment investigates the linguistic definition of a text and the standard criteria used to determine what distinguishes a text from non-textual communication.
What are the central thematic areas covered?
The main themes include linguistic theory, the seven criteria of textuality (developed by De Beaugrande and Dressler), and the practical application of these theories to famous speeches.
What is the primary goal of this research?
The goal is to determine if the "I have a dream" speech by Martin Luther King, Jr. qualifies as a text under the rigorous criteria of De Beaugrande and Dressler.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The work utilizes an extensive literature review of linguistic studies and applies the theoretical framework of De Beaugrande and Dressler to a specific primary source (King's speech).
What key aspects are explored in the main body?
The main body defines textuality, analyzes each of the seven criteria of textuality individually, and provides illustrative examples from the selected speech for each criterion.
How would you characterize this paper with keywords?
Key terms include Text, Textuality, Linguistics, De Beaugrande, Dressler, and Communication, focusing on the structural and pragmatic requirements for a text.
How do "cohesion" and "coherence" differ according to the text?
Cohesion relates to the grammatical connections between surface elements of a text, while coherence refers to the logical connection of meaning and the context perceived by the recipient.
Why did the author choose to include the "I have a dream" speech?
The speech serves as a practical, iconic point of reference to verify whether high-level rhetorical examples align with or challenge the strict definitions of textuality.
Is the work of De Beaugrande and Dressler considered absolute?
The assignment concludes that while their criteria provide a valuable point of reference, they are often criticized for being too strict and failing to account for all types of modern communication.
Are all seven criteria equally important?
The author questions whether all criteria carry the same weight, suggesting that the appropriateness of some criteria, especially those tied to personal preference, requires further critical scrutiny.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anonym (Autor:in), 2022, What makes a Text a Text?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1253792
