Discourse Analysis: Grammatical Analysis of discourse

Grammatical Analysis of Discourse

Cohesion & Coherence
Cohesive Devices
Theme & Rheme
Thematic Progression

Grammatical analysis of discourse involves studying the way sentences are structured and how they function within a larger context, such as a paragraph or a whole text. It aims to identify the patterns of language use in discourse and how these patterns contribute to the text's overall meaning.

Discourse analysis is a broad field that encompasses many different approaches. Still, one of the main goals of grammatical analysis in discourse is to understand the relationship between language and context. In other words, how do the words and phrases used in a particular text reflect the situation, the speakers or writers involved, and the intended audience?

One way to approach grammatical analysis of discourse is to focus on the syntax of the sentences. This involves looking at the word order, using grammatical structures such as noun, verb, and prepositional phrases, and how these structures are combined to create complex sentences. By analyzing the syntax of a text, we can identify the main clauses and subordinate clauses, and we can see how different sentence structures are used to convey different meanings.

Another important aspect of grammatical analysis in discourse is the use of cohesive devices. These words and phrases help connect ideas and create a cohesive text. Examples of cohesive devices include conjunctions (such as "and," "but," and "or"), pronouns (such as "he," "she," and "it"), and transitional expressions (such as "however," "in addition," and "on the other hand"). By analyzing the use of cohesive devices in a text, we can see how the writer or speaker has organized their ideas and how they have linked different parts of the text together.

In addition to syntax and cohesion, another key aspect of grammatical analysis in discourse is the use of discourse markers. These words and phrases signal the speaker or writer's attitude, intention, or stance towards the topic being discussed. Examples of discourse markers include modal verbs (such as "should," "could," and "might"), evaluative adjectives (such as "good," "bad," and "interesting"), and intensifiers (such as "very," "extremely," and "totally"). By analyzing the use of discourse markers in a text, we can see how the speaker or writer positions themselves in relation to the topic and the audience.

Overall, grammatical analysis of discourse is a complex and multifaceted process that involves examining the syntax, cohesion, and discourse markers used in a text. By analyzing these features, we can gain insights into how language creates meaning in different contexts and how different linguistic choices reflect the speaker or writer's intentions and attitudes.

Coherence and Cohesion

Grammatical analysis of discourse and cohesion and coherence are closely related concepts that help us understand how language works in larger units of text beyond the sentence level.

Cohesion refers to how a text is connected through linguistic devices such as conjunctions, pronouns, and lexical repetition. Cohesion helps to make a text more coherent by creating a clear and organized structure that allows the reader to follow the flow of ideas.

In contrast, grammatical analysis of discourse is focused on the grammatical structures and syntax of the text. This involves examining how sentences are structured and how they function within the larger context of the text. Grammatical analysis can help us understand the meaning and purpose of a text by revealing patterns in how language is used.

Cohesion and grammatical analysis are both important tools for understanding discourse. By analyzing the cohesion of a text, we can identify how the author has connected different ideas and created a coherent structure. This can help us understand the text's overall meaning and how it is organized.

At the same time, by performing a grammatical analysis of the text, we can identify how the author has used particular grammatical structures to convey meaning. This can help us to understand how language works in discourse and how it can be used to create meaning beyond the level of individual sentences.

While cohesion and grammatical analysis are distinct concepts, they both play important roles in helping us understand how language works in larger units of text. By combining both of these tools, we can gain a deeper understanding of how language is used in discourse and how it contributes to the overall meaning of a text.

Cohesive Devices

Grammatical analysis of discourse and cohesive devices are two interrelated aspects of language analysis that help us understand how language functions at the level of larger units of text.

Cohesive devices are the linguistic tools used to connect different text parts and create coherence. They include things like conjunctions, pronouns, adverbs, and discourse markers. These devices help to link sentences and paragraphs together, making it easier for readers to follow the flow of ideas and understand the meaning of the text.

On the other hand, grammatical analysis of discourse involves examining a text's grammatical structures and syntax. This includes looking at things like using subordinate clauses, verb tenses, and word order. By analyzing how language is used at the sentence level, we can gain insights into how the meaning of a text is constructed and conveyed.

Cohesive devices and grammatical analysis are closely related because cohesive devices often involve the use of specific grammatical structures. For example, pronouns are a type of cohesive device that relies on the grammatical agreement between nouns and their associated pronouns. Likewise, conjunctions are often used to connect different clauses within a sentence, and this requires an understanding of the grammatical structures involved.

In order to fully understand the meaning and function of a text, it is important to analyze both the cohesive devices used and the grammatical structures that underlie them. By doing so, we can understand how language is used to create meaning in discourse and how different linguistic choices contribute to the overall coherence of a text.

Past researchers have contributed significantly to our understanding of the grammatical analysis of discourse. For example, scholars such as Halliday and Hasan (1976) developed a framework for analyzing cohesion in texts that is widely used today. Their approach to cohesive analysis involves identifying the different types of cohesive devices used in a text, such as a reference, substitution, ellipsis, conjunction, and lexical cohesion. By analyzing these different types of cohesive devices, we can gain insights into how the different parts of a text are linked together and how this contributes to the overall coherence of the text.

Similarly, other researchers have focused on the role of grammar in discourse analysis. For example, Chafe (1982) proposed that the study of grammar should be expanded beyond the sentence level to include larger discourse units. Chafe argued that grammar is important in creating coherence and meaning in discourse. By analyzing the grammatical structures used in a text, we can gain insights into how meaning is constructed.

Other researchers have focused on specific grammatical structures and their role in discourse. For example, Sinclair and Coulthard (1975) identified several grammatical structures that they believed were particularly important in creating coherence in spoken discourse, such as topic and comment structures and conjunctions to signal relationships between ideas.

Overall, past researchers have made significant contributions to our understanding of the grammatical analysis of discourse. Through their work, we have gained insights into how language is used to create meaning at the level of larger units of text and how different linguistic choices contribute to a text's overall coherence and meaning.

Examples

Cohesion and coherence are important concepts in the field of discourse analysis that help to analyze the organization and flow of language in written or spoken texts. Cohesion refers to the linguistic devices that create links between sentences or clauses in a text, while coherence refers to the overall unity and clarity of meaning in a text.

Examples of Cohesion:

Reference: Referring to a noun previously mentioned in the text. For example, "Mary bought a new car. She loves driving it."
Substitution: Using a pronoun or other word instead of a previously mentioned noun. For example, "John lost his keys. He searched for them for hours."
Conjunction: Using coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or) or subordinating conjunctions (although, because, since) to connect clauses or sentences. For example, "I like to read books, but I don't have much time."
Ellipsis: Leaving out words that are implied by the context. For example, "Do you like pizza? Yes, I do."

Examples of Coherence:

Topic Sentence: The first sentence of a paragraph that clearly states the main idea or topic. For example, "Global warming is a serious problem that affects the entire planet."
Logical Order: Organizing information in a clear and logical order, such as chronologically or by importance. For example, "First, we need to identify the problem. Then, we can develop a plan to solve it."
Transitional Words: Using words or phrases that help to connect ideas and create a smooth flow between sentences and paragraphs. For example, "Furthermore, in addition, however, consequently."
Repetition: Repeating keywords or phrases to reinforce the main idea or topic. For example, "The environment is our responsibility. We must protect the environment for future generations."

Activity:

Instructions: Read the following paragraph and identify examples of cohesion and coherence.

Paragraph: I woke up early this morning and went for a run. It was a beautiful day outside, with clear blue skies and a cool breeze. I felt invigorated as I ran through the park, passing by the people walking their dogs and children playing on the playground. Eventually, I reached the trail's end and turned around to head back home. As I jogged back, I started to feel a bit tired, but I pushed myself to keep going. Finally, I arrived back at my apartment, feeling proud of myself for starting my day with exercise.

What is the main idea or topic of this paragraph?
Identify an example of cohesion in this paragraph.
Identify an example of coherence in this paragraph.

Answers:

1. Answer: The main idea is the author's morning run.

2. Answer: The author uses a reference to connect the sentences "I woke up early this morning and went for a run" and "It was a beautiful day outside."

3. Answer: The author uses logical order by describing the scenery and activities during the run and then describing the return home.

Great job! You have identified several examples of cohesion and coherence in this paragraph. Keep practising to improve your skills in analyzing discourse.

Theme and Rheme

Grammatical analysis of discourse is an approach that focuses on the grammatical structures and syntax used in a text, while the concept of theme and rhyme refers to the information structure of a sentence. The concept of theme and rhyme is closely related to the concepts of cohesion and coherence, as it helps to create a clear and organized structure that allows the reader to follow the flow of ideas.

In the light of past researchers, the concept of theme and rheme was first introduced by the linguist Michael Halliday in the 1960s. According to Halliday, every sentence has a theme, the starting point of the sentence, and a rheme, which is the new information introduced in the sentence. This means that the theme is part of the sentence that is already known or assumed, while the rheme is the new or focused information the sentence tries to convey.

Halliday's concept of theme and rheme has been widely used in discourse analysis and has been found to be particularly useful in the analysis of spoken discourse. For example, researchers have used the concept of theme and rheme to analyze how speakers organize their ideas in conversation. By examining how speakers introduce new information, researchers can gain insights into how speakers structure their discourse and create coherence.

Another important contribution to the study of theme and rheme came from the linguist Fries (1952), who argued that theme and rheme are not just features of individual sentences but are part of a larger system of discourse organization. Fries argued that using theme and rheme can help create coherence within a text by linking sentences together and creating a clear flow of ideas.

Overall, the concept of theme and rheme is an important aspect of the grammatical analysis of discourse, as it helps us understand how sentences are structured and how they contribute to a text's overall organization and meaning. Examining how theme and rheme are used in a text allows us to gain insights into how speakers or writers organize their ideas and create coherence in their discourse.

Current researchers have also made significant contributions to our understanding of grammatical analysis of discourse and the concept of theme and rheme.

One recent study by Taboada and Mann (2006) examined using theme and rheme in academic writing. They found that writers often use theme to introduce a new idea or topic, while the rheme is used to elaborate on or provide evidence for the idea. This highlights theme and rheme's important role in creating a clear and logical flow of ideas in academic writing.

Another recent study by Du Bois (2014) proposed a new discourse analysis model that emphasizes the importance of syntax and semantics in creating coherence in discourse. Du Bois argues that the concepts of theme and rheme are part of a larger system of discourse coherence that includes syntax, semantics, and pragmatic context. By examining how these different aspects of discourse work together, Du Bois suggests that we can better understand how meaning is constructed in discourse.

Overall, current researchers continue to explore the relationship between the grammatical analysis of discourse and the concept of theme and rheme. Their work highlights the important role that syntax and information structure play in creating coherence and meaning in discourse and suggests new approaches to analyzing the complex relationship between language and context.

Examples

Theme and Rheme are important concepts that help us understand how speakers and writers structure their sentences to convey meaning.

The Theme is the initial part of the sentence that establishes the topic or subject of the discourse. The Rheme, on the other hand, is the remaining part of the sentence that provides additional information about the topic or makes a comment about it.

For example, consider the following sentence: "The cat chased the mouse."

In this sentence, "The cat" is the Theme, as it establishes the subject of the sentence. "Chased the mouse" is the Rheme, as it provides additional information about what the cat is doing.

Another example: "I ate a sandwich for lunch."

In this sentence, "I" is the Theme, as it establishes the speaker as the subject of the sentence. "Ate a sandwich for lunch" is the Rheme, as it provides additional information about what the speaker did at lunchtime.

By analyzing the Theme and Rheme in a sentence, we can identify the most important information being conveyed and the relationship between different parts of the sentence. This can be particularly useful in understanding how speakers and writers structure their discourse to achieve their communicative goals.

Worksheet

Instructions: Read each sentence below and identify the Theme and Rheme of the sentence. Write your answers in the space provided.

The dog barked at the mailman.