Essential Concepts in Text, Media, and Communication
Understanding Textual Communication Concepts
Statements
A statement is a set of words pronounced with a particular intonation, communicating a complete idea.
Text (Linguistic Unit)
A text is the highest linguistic unit, consisting of a group of statements that share the same content and purpose.
Adequacy
Adequacy refers to how a text adjusts to the circumstances of communication.
Consistency
Consistency is the logical relationship between statements that form a text, always serving its global significance.
Cohesion
Cohesion is the set of linguistic procedures that mark the relationship between all sentences of a text.
Exposition
Exposition is the neat and clear transmission of information.
Text Structure and Document Types
Text Structure
A typical text structure includes:
- Introduction: Introduces the topic to be discussed.
- Development: Contains the information, often organized into different sections.
- Conclusion: A summary of everything explained.
Academic Expositions
Academic Expositions are texts that transmit knowledge of a science or discipline.
Conferences
Conferences are formal oral presentations.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is an exposition of academic and professional merits, used to qualify for a specific job.
Contract
A Contract is a document reflecting an agreement regarding employment, commercial, or private matters.
Report (Investigation)
A Report is an exposition of the ordered conclusions from an investigation into the operation of an institution or company.
Argumentative and Opinion-Based Texts
Argumentation
Argumentation is a form of speech that expresses an opinion and justifies it with reasoning.
Elements of Argumentation
Key elements of argumentation include:
- Thesis: The main point or argument.
- Body of Argumentation: The supporting reasons and evidence.
- Conclusion: A summary or restatement of the thesis.
Essay
An Essay is a written text of moderate length where the author expresses and justifies their views on a general topic.
Address (Public Speaking)
An Address is an oral argumentation intended for public delivery.
Editorial
An Editorial is an article in a newspaper that expresses the publication’s views on a subject.
Opinion Article
An Opinion Article is a signed piece containing reflections on current social issues or topics of general interest.
Letters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor are short texts that collect complaints and suggestions from readers.
Radio Communication: Programs and Codes
News Report (Radio)
A News Report describes the rapid transmission of news over long distances.
Informative Programs
Informative Programs aim to educate the public, foster critical thinking, and help form opinions.
Entertainment Programs
Entertainment Programs offer various ways to fill leisure time.
Radio Codes
Radio communication utilizes several codes:
- Linguistic Code: The words and phrases heard, forming the basis of radio transmissions.
- Human Voice: Not just message transmission, but also adds unique semantic nuances to words.
- Music: Plays a key role, often used for tunes, jingles, curtains (transitions), and blasts (sound effects).
News Bulletin (Radio)
A News Bulletin is a brief segment where speakers, with a serious and objective tone, read the latest news.
Live Radio Broadcast
A Live Radio Broadcast is the narration of any live sporting or cultural event.
Radio Feature
A Radio Feature is a deep explanation of a current topic, analyzing its background and circumstances.
Interview
An Interview is a conversation between a journalist and a personality, aiming to learn more about them.
Roundtable Discussion (Radio)
A Roundtable Discussion is a program involving 4 or 5 invited guests who comment on a proposed topic.
Magazine Program (Radio)
A Magazine Program is a radio program that can sometimes last several hours, consisting of sections on varied topics such as music and interviews.
Television Communication: Programs and Codes
Television Codes
Television also uses specific codes:
- Acoustic Code: Similar to radio, these are signs used on television (e.g., sound effects, music).
- Iconic Code: The most characteristic emissions of this medium, primarily photographic images.
TV News
TV News is a program, often lasting over half an hour, that provides information about current events.
Documentaries
Documentaries are programs that offer detailed analysis on a given topic.
Debates (TV)
Debates are programs similar to roundtable discussions, where the theme is always a controversial issue and participants defend opposing views, often with arguments.