Text and Discourse

TEXT AND DISCOURSE
Originally the word 'discourse' comes from Latin 'discursus' which denoted 'conversation, speech'. Discourse is
a term used in LINGUISTICS to refer to a continuous stretch of (especially spoken) LANGUAGE larger than a
SENTENCE — but, within this broad notion, several different applications may be found.
At its most, a discourse is a behavioral UNIT which has a pre-theoretical status in linguistics: it is a set of
UTTERANCES which constitute any recognizable SPEECH event, e.g. a conversation, a joke, a sermon, an
interview… [Crystal, Dictionary of linguistics and phonetics, 3rd edn 1991]
In the broad sense, discourse ‘includes’ TEXT (q.v.), but the two terms are not always easily distinguished, and
are often used synonymously.
Text
• A large unit of written language
• A group of ideas put together to make a point or central idea
• Has structure which requires the ideas in the discourse to be relevant to each other
Some linguists would restrict discourse to spoken communication, and reserve text for written:
1. Result of the process of speech production in graphic form
2. Indirect (processed) speech
3. No personal contacts between agents
4. Perception of speech in different space and time
5. One agent
Some linguists would restrict discourse to spoken communication, and reserve text for written:
1. The process of speech production in the form of a sound
2. Spontaneous speech in a particular situation with the help of verbal and nonverbal means
3. Personal contacts between agents
4. generation and perception of speech in a unity of space and time
Two authors constantly change their roles ‘speaker – hearer’ (bilateral discourse)
1. Connected Discourse
"Connected speech is more than just a string of individual target segments joined together in series, since
each segment is liable to influence the segments that surround it. The precise form that these influences
take is determined by the particular language in question, and so the phonology of connected speech is part
of the phonology of the language that the child has to master .
Connected speech, or connected discourse, in linguistics, is a continuous sequence of sounds forming
utterances or conversations in spoken language. Analysis of connected speech shows sounds changes
affecting linguistic units traditionally described as phrases, words, lexemes, morphemes, syllables,
phonemes or phones.
2. Coherence - is what gives a piece of writing its flow. It also gives the reader a sense of what to expect and,
therefore, makes the reading easier to follow as the ideas appear to be presented in a natural, almost
automatic, way
In Linguistics, it is the property of unity in a written text or a segment of spoken discourse that stems from
the links among its underlying ideas and from the logical organization and development of its thematic
content.
3. Cohesion - The use of repetition, transitional expressions, and other devices (cohesive cues) to guide
readers and show how the parts of a composition relate to one other.
In Linguistics, it is the property of unity in a written text or a segment of spoken discourse that stems from
links among its surface elements, as when words in one sentence are repeated in another, andespecially
from the fact that so me words or phrases depend for their interpretation upon material inpreceding or
following text, as in the sequence Be assure d of this. Most people do not want to fight. However, they will
do so when provoked, where this refers to the two sentences t hat follow, they refers back to most people,
do so substitutes for the preceding verb fight, and however relates the clause th at follows to the preceding
sentence. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cohesion Patterns of Development Development is the
process by which you support or explain the central idea of a paragraph, essay, or other piece of writing.
A text is generally considered as written material, especially longer pieces of writing as in book, a letter or a
newspaper. Discourse is generally regarded as spoken. Jorgensen and Phillips put forth the qualities of a text as:
1. Cohesion. The parts are connected.

2. Coherence. The overall text has meaning.
3. Intentionality. The writer’s attitude and purpose can be discerned.
4. Acceptability. The text is recognized.
5. Informativity. There is a quantity of new or expected info.
6. Situationality. The text’s topic is situationally and culturally appropriate.
7. Intertextuality. The text can be linked to preceding discourse.

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TEXT AND DISCOURSE

1. Cohesion. The parts are connected.

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