Mastering Textual Cohesion and Linguistic Registers

Textual Foundations

Consistency: In a text, ideological organization must always be respected; ideas must be organized properly to ensure the text makes sense.

Cohesion: Refers to the structure of the text, specifically how to write formally and correctly. A text is cohesive when it follows the rules of grammar.

Text: An organization of linguistic units according to the communicative situation, language register, and communicative intent.

Distinguishing Message and Text

The text is the structure of what is said, organized according to the communicative intent, whereas the message is the content itself.

Communicative Situation: The environment surrounding the broadcasting of a text or message and the relationship between speakers.

Communicative Intention: That which we aim to achieve with our message.

Commonly Used Texts

These are used in informal, colloquial, and familiar communicative situations, such as: letters to friends, messages, notices, and informal requests.

Texts of Fixed Structure

These are organized in form and content and are used to handle administrative documentation. Examples include: formal notices, formal letters, formal applications, resumes, and formal messages.

Language Registers

Language registers are the types of language used to communicate specific information.

• Formal Register: Used when a clear message is required, necessitating strict adherence to conventional social norms.
• Informal Register: Allows for greater freedom of action, both socially and linguistically.

Types of Registers

Cultivated Register

• Used in formal communication situations.
• Focuses on content transmission.
• Acquired through education and schooling.
• Socially valued.
• Features lexical precision and abstract vocabulary.

Colloquial Register

• Used in informal situations.
• Focuses on interaction.
• Acquired through socialization.
• Values correction.
• Less lexical accuracy than the cultivated register.

Marginal Register

• Does not discriminate between formal or informal situations.
• Focuses on interaction.
• Used by individuals who have not adopted standard language rules.
• Not socially valued.
• Characterized by scarce lexicon, slang, and specific jargon.