UNIT 32

Quirk defined text as “a [blank_start]stretch[blank_end] of language which makes [blank_start]coherence[blank_end] sense in the [blank_start]context[blank_end] of its use”.

Context of situation is analysed from three notions: • [blank_start]Field[blank_end]: it refers to what is happening, to the nature of the social action. • [blank_start]Tenor[blank_end]: it refers to who is taking part, to the nature of the participants. • [blank_start]Mode[blank_end]: it refers to what part the language is playing, to the description of the text, including its function, channel and status.

• [blank_start]Cohesion[blank_end], which is related to the unity of form, that is, how utterances are structurally linked within the text. • [blank_start]Coherence[blank_end], which is related to the unity of meaning, that is, to the relationships between the different meanings within the text.

In order to be coherent, a text must have a [blank_start]theme[blank_end], an organized [blank_start]structure[blank_end] and linking elements, such as [blank_start]reiteration[blank_end] or repetition.

Michael Toolan defined narrative texts as “[blank_start]perceived[blank_end] sequence of [blank_start]non-randomly[blank_end] connected events”. This definition implies that any narration is a sequence of events, but not a sequential [blank_start]description[blank_end], but a [blank_start]consequential[blank_end] one. Another important part of this definition is that the addressee must perceive this [blank_start]consequence[blank_end]: it is the addressee the one who perceives a text as narrative.

Characteristics of narrative texts:

Hamlet is an example of ____ plot:

based on an imaginary setting and involving improbable characters, where the hero is aimed at defeating evil

based on real historical events, although the author may be creative without making historical mistakes

• Science fiction, an adventure story based on the real world, which involves [blank_start]travel[blank_end] and [blank_start]danger[blank_end], and is set in a future time facing [blank_start]contemporary[blank_end] problems.

Realistic fiction, involving [blank_start]believable[blank_end] characters with unique human [blank_start]qualities[blank_end], and whose endings are not always [blank_start]happy[blank_end].

Hymes described context of situation including the following aspects: - the [blank_start]form[blank_end] and [blank_start]content[blank_end] of the message; - the p[blank_start]articipants[blank_end]; - the s[blank_start]etting[blank_end]; - the k[blank_start]ey[blank_end]; - the m[blank_start]edium[blank_end]; - the g[blank_start]enre[blank_end]; - the [blank_start]norms[blank_end] of interaction; - the [blank_start]effects[blank_end] of communication.

 Direct speech  She sat down and said: “Why are they doing this?  Indirect speech  She sat down and asked herself why they were doing that.  Free indirect discourse  [blank_start]She sat down. Why were they doing this?[blank_end]

STRUCTURE: • [blank_start]Orientation[blank_end], which sets up the story. • [blank_start]Complication[blank_end] or problem, which relates the main activities and events involving the main characters. • [blank_start]Resolution[blank_end], in which the complication or problem is resolved.

Theme is perhaps the most important literary concept, since it is the [blank_start]overarching idea[blank_end] that the writer of the story wants to be understood by the audience.

Plot refers to the [blank_start]structure[blank_end] of the narrative as it moves through [blank_start]time[blank_end].