Understanding Text Classification and Communication

Text Classification Criteria

Texts can be classified according to various criteria. From a communication perspective, they can be categorized by their predominant social function, the author's purpose, the medium used for transmission, the subject matter or content organization, the linguistic resources employed, and more.

Communicative Intent and Text Types

Texts are often categorized by their primary communicative intention:

• Informational Texts: Aim to transmit new information, helping the receiver learn new concepts and establish new relationships between existing concepts.
• Persuasive Texts: Seek to change the ideas, opinions, or values of the receiver.
• Management Texts: Attempt to regulate the behavior of recipients.
• Literary Texts: Have an aesthetic purpose.
• Playful Texts: Aim to entertain.

Text Transmission Methods

Texts are transmitted through various means:

• Environment (Spoken Language): This channel allows communication even when participants are not physically together or when obstacles exist.
• Channels (Written Language): These enable deferred communication across time, distance, and for mass audiences. Writing is the most significant human-made means of transmission.
• Mass Media: Utilizes various platforms for widespread dissemination.

Oral vs. Written Texts

The primary distinction between oral and written text types lies in their communication channel. Speaking is learned naturally through social interaction and imitation, whereas the production and comprehension of written texts require formal instruction.

Other differences affect the geographical and social variety of language, register, and information selection:

Oral Texts Characteristics:

• Geographical and Linguistic Variety: Increased presence of dialect features.
• Social Register: Preference for colloquial or informal records.
• Information Selection: Spontaneous order in information selection.

Written Texts Characteristics:

• Geographical and Linguistic Variety: Preference for standard language.
• Social Register: Preference for formal records.
• Information Selection: Rigor in the selection of information.

Textual Sequences and Structures

Texts often follow specific structural schemes or sequences:

• Narrative Outline: Development + Action + Resolution
• Descriptive Outline: Frame + Properties + Aspects
• Explanatory Scheme: Problem + Solution
• Argumentative Scheme: Thesis + Justification (Arguments and Counterarguments)

Speech Genres and Domains

Various speech genres are classified according to social function, contextual factors, and subject matter. They are grouped by domain of production:

• Academic
• Legal
• Political
• Media
• Literary
• Lifestyle
• Leisure and Entertainment