Understanding Subordinate Propositions and Text Types
Subordinate Adverbial Propositions
Subordinate adverbial propositions can be replaced by an adverb or a locative adverbial. They modify the entire main proposition and not just the verb. There are several types:
- End (Purpose): Indicates the objective, purpose, or intention. Uses conjunctions like *which*, *for that*, *so that*, *in order that*.
- Grounds (Cause): Indicates the reason or cause. Uses conjunctions like *because*, *for*, *like*, *that*, *since*.
- Conditional: Indicates a condition. Uses conjunctions like *if*, *how*, *when*, *provided that*, *unless*.
- Concessive: Indicates an obstacle, contrast, opposition, or objection. Uses conjunctions like *though*, *even if*, *despite that*.
- Comparative: Uses correlated particles (*more… than*, *as much… as*). Expresses quantitative or qualitative relationships:
- Equality: *so/as… as*
- Superiority: *more… than*
- Inferiority: *less… than*
- Consecutive: Indicates the effects arising from the main proposition. Can be:
- Intensive: *so… that*, *just… that*
- Non-intensive: *then*, *as well*, *consequently*, *so*, *therefore*
Text: The Maximum Unit of Language
The text is the maximum unit of language, capable of expressing a particular purpose in a specific communicative situation. It can be oral or written. Its features include:
- Consistency: Focuses on a single issue, with logically related information.
- Cohesion: Ideas are connected and articulated through linguistic means.
- Soundness: Considers the communicative situation, the receiver, and the intent.
- Progression: Develops gradually, building upon known information.
- Intentionality: Has a communicative intent (persuade, inform, warn, etc.).
Oral vs. Written Texts
| Oral | Written |
|---|---|
| Nonverbal communication, extralinguistic features | Punctuation |
| Immediate communication in space and time | Sender and receiver do not share the same space and time |
| Interaction between participants | Interaction is more difficult |
| Less structured and less complex syntax | More complex syntax |
| Location is important | Location is less important |
| Indexicals are used | Indexicals are not used much |
| Repetitive structures | Repetition is less common because the message can be reread |
Text Types
Texts can be classified into various types, including: expository, argumentative, descriptive, narrative, dialog, informative, predictive, academic, journalistic, advertising, legal, administrative, and literary.
- Expository: Transmits objective information clearly and orderly. Can be informative or specialized. Uses precise vocabulary, third-person verbs, indicative mood, and simple syntactic constructions. Follows an introduction, development, and conclusion structure.
- Argumentative: Defends an opinion, fact, idea, or value to convince the reader. Provides reasons or evidence. Uses connectors, technical vocabulary, and complex syntax.
- Descriptive: Lists the characteristics of a person, object, landscape, etc. Uses adjectives and literary resources. Can be *scientific* or *literary*.
- Narrative: Presents a sequence of events that happen to characters in a specific place and time. The most important element is the action. Characters can be main or secondary, flat or round. Follows an introduction, middle, and end structure. The narrator can be omniscient or a protagonist.
- Dialogue: Involves an exchange of information between two or more participants. Characterized by spontaneity and improvisation.
- Academic:
- Science: Objective and denotative language, referential value, clarity. Uses technical terms, indicative mood, present tense, impersonal forms, adjectives, and graphic elements.
- Humanistic: Subjective expression. Uses adjectives, indicative mood, plural of modesty, and connectors.