Here are some key aspects of the suprasentential level:
1. Cohesion: This refers to the grammatical and lexical ties that connect sentences together. Examples include:
* Pronoun references: "The cat sat on the mat. It was a fluffy one."
* Conjunctions: "I went to the store. Then I went home."
* Lexical repetition: "The dog chased the ball. The ball bounced high."
2. Coherence: This goes beyond simply connecting sentences; it involves the overall meaning and logical flow of the text. A coherent text has a clear topic, provides information in a logical order, and avoids contradictions.
* Topic development: Each sentence contributes to the main idea of the paragraph.
* Logical connections: Sentences follow a logical sequence (cause and effect, compare and contrast, etc.).
* Consistency of information: No conflicting information is presented.
3. Discourse markers: These are words or phrases that indicate the relationship between sentences or ideas, helping to guide the reader through the text.
* Addition: "Moreover, the cat was very hungry."
* Contrast: "However, the dog was not interested in the ball."
* Sequence: "First, I went to the store. Then, I went home."
4. Textual genres: The suprasentential level also considers how the structure and features of a text vary depending on its genre (e.g., narrative, argumentative, expository).
5. Pragmatics: This field of linguistics focuses on how language is used in context, including factors like social context, the speaker's intentions, and the listener's understanding.
Why is the suprasentential level important?
* Understanding meaning: By analyzing how sentences connect, we can understand the overall meaning of a text.
* Effective writing: Understanding the principles of cohesion and coherence helps us write more effectively and clearly.
* Analyzing complex language: Studying suprasentential features allows us to analyze complex texts, such as academic articles or legal documents.
It's important to note that the suprasentential level is often considered within the broader fields of discourse analysis and pragmatics.