1. Cohesion Enables Interpretation:
* Understanding Relationships: Cohesive devices help readers/listeners understand how different parts of a text relate to each other. This allows for the construction of a coherent interpretation. For example, the use of pronouns like "he" or "she" helps us track characters or entities across a narrative.
* Building Meaning: Cohesive ties create links between sentences and paragraphs, building upon previous information and developing a larger meaning. This helps us understand not only what is being said, but also how it contributes to the overall message.
2. Cohesion Reveals the Structure of Discourse:
* Identifying Themes and Arguments: The way cohesive devices are used can reveal the underlying structure of a text. For example, repetition of key terms can highlight important themes, while transitions like "however" or "furthermore" signal shifts in argumentation.
* Analyzing Genre and Style: Different genres and styles of writing often employ different cohesive strategies. Analyzing these patterns helps us understand the intended audience, purpose, and overall effect of a text.
3. Cohesion Reflects the Speaker/Writer's Intentions:
* Signaling Intent: The choice of cohesive devices can reveal the speaker/writer's intention. For example, using a lot of conjunctions might indicate a desire to explain something thoroughly, while using few conjunctions might suggest a concise and direct style.
* Establishing a Relationship with the Audience: Cohesive choices can also reflect how a speaker/writer wants to engage with their audience. For example, using informal language or humor can create a sense of closeness, while using more formal language can create a sense of distance.
Examples of Cohesive Devices:
* Reference: Using pronouns, demonstratives, and other words to refer back to previously mentioned entities.
* Substitution: Replacing a word or phrase with another to avoid repetition.
* Ellipsis: Leaving out words that can be understood from the surrounding context.
* Conjunction: Using conjunctions to connect clauses and sentences.
* Lexical Cohesion: Using related words or synonyms to create a sense of continuity.
In Conclusion:
Cohesion is a crucial element in discourse analysis, providing insights into the structure, meaning, and intended effects of texts. By studying how cohesion works, we can gain a deeper understanding of how language functions in communication.