Description
Book SynopsisThis book is a study of techniques used to introduce, continue and change the discourse topic in expository writing. Discourse topic is examined by focusing on the sequential techniques and strategies in a step-by-step process. To describe the process a model of sequentiality is proposed. The aims of the book are to advance current thinking in discourse analysis and to provide a practical exemplar of expository discourse.
Table of ContentsIntroduction
BRINGING THE TOPIC UP: FACETS OF TOPIC Thematics: The State of the Art Topic as a Discrete Element Topic as a Structuring Frame The Need for a Model Topic as a Sequential Structure Summary
TRACING THE TOPIC: SEQUENTIAL RELATIONS AND STRATEGIES The Problem of Topic as a Sequential Structure Strategies of Sequentiality Sequential Techniques in Expository Text The Signals of Topic Structure Summary
MODELING SEQUENTIAL TOPIC The Patterning of Topic Structure Framing the Analysis Topic Structure Heuristics The Hierarchy and Synergy of Signals Text Boundaries
THE TOPIC MODEL IN ACTION Texts in English English and Greek Texts in Contrast
THE TOPIC MODEL IN PERSPECTIVE: TOWARD A MULTIPLANE DESCRIPTION OF DISCOURSE Text Organization and Sequential Relations The Interaction of Topic Structure with Other Text Relations The Multifunctionality of Topic Signals The Contribution of Topic Structure to Text Organization and Coherence
ROUNDING THE TOPIC OFF: CONCLUSIONS The Modeling of Discourse Topic Connections and Implications Sequential Relations and Beyond Appendices Bibliography Index
