Textual Coherence and Unity: Key Linguistic Properties

Textual Elements and Properties

Text Unit

The text is the maximum unit that transmits a coherent message.

Consistency (Coherence)

Consistency (Coherence) is the property of the text that allows us to identify the topic of a text and also summarize its contents.

Topic

The topic is the central idea sustained as a thread among all the particular ideas of each paragraph.

Cohesion

Cohesion is the property of the text that allows us to connect the sentences that make it up.

Proceedings of Cohesion

1. Repetition of words: Words are repeated to facilitate the understanding of the meaning.
2. Substitutions: Abuse of the repetition of words is a symptom of poor vocabulary, so replacements are used. There are two types:
   • Pronoun: Words are replaced by personal pronouns, 3rd person possessive pronouns, demonstratives, etc.
   • Lexical: An element is replaced by another of similar meaning. Replacement of a name can be through: synonym, hyperonym, or periphrasis (multiple words). Replacing a verb can be done by: a name, or the verb disappears (ellipsis).
3. Discourse Markers (Connectors): These are invariant linguistic units that have lost their lexical meaning and do not have any syntactic function, but point out the connections that exist between statements. These may include: adverbs, conjunctions, phrases, nouns, adjectives, verbs.

You are also connectors: these are the words or expressions linking the various elements of a text. They can be:

• Additives: Add new information to that offered by the above statement.
• Consecutive: Indicate that the information in the second fragment is a consequence of the former.
• Counterargument: Show that what is said in one part is opposed to what is said in another part.

Appropriateness

Appropriateness is the property of the text that allows recognition if a text is suitable for the situation in which it appears, for the recipient, and for the subject matter. A text must be:

• Appropriate to the recipient.
• Appropriate to the subject.
• Appropriate to the situation.

Each type of text is the result of an impart situation where you have to ask:

• Who writes?
• Who is the recipient?
• With what intent?
• Where is the text (place)?
• When does it appear (time)?