Textual Features: Exposition, Argumentation, and Linguistic Nuances
Exposition
Purpose
Exposition objectively explains a theme, providing knowledge to the audience. Its purpose is purely informative, focusing on the referential function.
Classification by Audience
Texts can circulate as general or specialized expositions.
Lexical Features
- Monosemic and Denotative Words: Words have a single meaning to avoid different interpretations.
- Technicalities: Specialized vocabulary is common, especially in technical texts.
- Neologisms and Acronyms: New words and abbreviations are frequently used.
- Cultisms and Latin Expressions: Phrases like “alea est” (the die is cast) or “motu proprio” (on one’s own initiative) may appear.
Morphological and Syntactic Features
- Extensive Sentence Structures: Complex sentences develop ideas and concepts logically.
- Specific Syntactic Structures: Coordinating and adverbial clauses support explanations.
- Preference for Present Tense: The present tense conveys timeless information and impersonal expressions. Gnomic present may be used.
Textual Features
- Discourse Markers: These elements (e.g., additive, oppositional, contrastive, consecutive, causative, conditional, and final) organize reasoning and guide understanding.
- Objective Description: As a discourse model, it is frequently used in expositions.
- Exemplification: Examples ensure comprehension.
Argumentation
Purpose
Argumentation offers a subjective perspective on a topic, aiming to persuade the receiver. It emphasizes the conative or appellative function.
Lexical Features
- Abstract and Connotative Language: Subjectivity is reflected in word choice.
- Maxims, Proverbs, and Data: These support the argument.
- Examples and References: Arguments from authority and bibliographic references are common.
- Predominance of Verbs of Will: Expresses the speaker’s opinion.
- Evaluative Expressions: Adverbs and adjectives emphasize and reaffirm viewpoints.
Syntactic and Morphological Features
- Long Sentences and Subordinate Clauses: Complex structures convey nuanced arguments.
- Impersonal and Passive Sentences: These create objectivity or distance.
- Use of First and Third Person: Personal perspectives are expressed.
Textual Features
Discourse markers organize ideas subjectively (e.g., additive, contrastive, causative, consecutive). Emphasis and reformulation reinforce arguments.
Prayer as Attitude of the Speaker
Prayers and Characteristic Linguistic Features
- Declarative: States facts (indicative verb).
- Optative: Expresses wishes (subjunctive verb, e.g., “I wish I were…”).
- Hesitant: Shows uncertainty (subjunctive verb, modal verbs, e.g., “I don’t know if they will come”).
- Exclamatory: Conveys strong emotion (exclamatory intonation and punctuation, e.g., “How handsome you are!”).
- Interrogative: Asks questions (question marks, interrogative words, e.g., “Who was that?”).
- Hortatory: Gives commands or advice (imperative mood, e.g., “Come and sit down”).