Text Coherence, Thematic Progression, and Macrostructure

Types of Textual Coherence (According to T. Van Dijk)

Coherence refers to the semantic relationships that make a text meaningful and unified. T. Van Dijk identifies three primary types:

1. Linear, Sequential, or Local Coherence

   This type of coherence holds between the propositions expressed by sentences or sequences of sentences connected by semantic relationships.

2. Global Coherence

   Global coherence is determined by the macro-textual structure. It characterizes the text as a whole, in terms of sets of propositions and complete sequences.

3. Pragmatic Coherence

   Pragmatic coherence occurs in the permanent adaptation between the text and its context. This includes the specific conditions of the communicative partners, communicative intent, time, place, and other extra-verbal circumstances.

Thematic Progression in Text Linguistics

Thematic progression describes how the topic (Theme) and new information (Rheme) are organized throughout a text to ensure flow and continuity.

In simple terms, the Theme (or topic) is the known information, and the Rheme (or comment) is the new information provided.

Three basic types of thematic progression are commonly identified:

1. Progression with Constant Theme

   This progression always maintains the same subject (Theme) as a reference throughout the sequence.

   Example: Constant Theme Progression

   Venezuela is an oil-producing country. It has many natural resources. It has great economic and social potential to be developed over time.

   The subject "Venezuela" is the only Theme.

2. Chain or Linear Progression

   In this structure, the Rheme (new information) of one statement becomes the Theme (subject) of the next statement.

   Example: Linear Progression

   Venezuela is an oil-producing country. This mineral is of great importance to developing countries.

   The Rheme ("oil") of the first sentence becomes the Theme ("This mineral") of the next statement.

3. Hypertheme Derived Progression

   In this progression, a main reference (the Hypertheme) is broken down into its constituent parts or sub-topics.

   This type of thematic progression can involve breaking down either the initial Theme or the initial Rheme:

   • Theme Breakdown: The information presented in the first part of the first sentence (the Theme) is broken down subsequently.
   • Rheme Breakdown: The information introduced in the Rheme is broken down subsequently.

   Example: Hypertheme Progression

   European countries have established a new currency and thus, a new economic system. England led the discussion on the implementation of the currency. Spain has begun an awareness campaign to use the euro as of this year. France...

   It is noted that the Hypertheme "European countries" begins to be broken down along the paragraph into individual member states.

Text Macrostructure and Macro-Rules

The Macrostructure is the overall idea or full meaning of the text that the reader constructs. To derive this overall meaning, readers apply specific cognitive processes known as macro-rules:

• Suppression

  This rule involves deleting parts that are not essential, such as details that cannot be recovered or are irrelevant to the main topic.

• Selection

  This rule ensures that essential information is retained (the information budget) and not lost entirely.

• Generalization and Construction

  Information is not removed but is replaced by a higher-level concept that covers or explains the underlying details.