Linguistic Strategies in Argumentative Texts
Discourse Mode & Argumentation
To convey their viewpoint, the text utilizes an expository-argumentative discourse, with argumentation being the most important part of the text. The arguments used are many:
- Argument by objection
- Argument from analogy
- Exemplification
- Argument from authority
Vocabulary & Subjectivity
While drawing from the field of journalism and using idiomatic language, as well as registers used in worship, it is important to remember that this is a humanistic text. The author employs a rich and varied vocabulary, including terms like…
Expression of Subjectivity
The expression of subjectivity within the text is achieved through the following features:
- Use of the first-person plural (e.g., “we left, we are…”)
- Explanatory or evaluative adjectives (e.g., “fasts masochistic idea unreachable”)
- Abundant use of evaluative adverbs (e.g., “allegedly, placidly, mind”)
- Use of a heavily connoted lexicon (e.g., “ilk, trauma, drug addicts…”)
- Finally, stylistic resources such as metaphors, comparisons, and hyperbole (e.g., “scratch her body, declined as the trees…”)
Text Purpose
Regarding the purpose of the text, which was mentioned previously, it is worth reiterating that the author aims to discuss the theme, guide the reader’s opinion, and encourage reflection.
Stylistics of Noun & Verb Phrases
Noun Phrase (NP) Analysis
There is a predominance of nouns over verbs. This is because it is fundamentally an argumentative text, where nouns, adjectives, and other complements prevail over verbs.
Substance & Specificity
The substance of the text is mostly abstract, featuring terms like “fixation” and “humiliation.” References to specific individuals are also present, such as “male surgeon” or “flesh.” Many of these nouns referring to women are suffixed nouns. Among the most commonly used suffixes are:
- “-tion”
- “-tude”
- “-able”
Determiners & Their Function
The determiners accompanying these nouns are of several types:
- Specific articles with generalizing value (e.g., “the women, the number, the woman”)
- Indeterminate and undefined articles, used when the author does not wish to specify or is not interested in doing so (e.g., “canons, a number”)
- Possessive determiners to convey subjectivity (e.g., “your slavery, your cellulite”)
- Demonstratives acting as deictics or pointers, sometimes with a derogatory tone (e.g., “these programs, these women”)
Adjectives & Adverbs
Adjectives in the text are predominantly subjective, as the author expresses opinions on an issue, requiring adjectives to explain or evaluate terms (e.g., “abusive, enslaved women”). The extensive use of evaluative adverbs also conveys subjectivity (e.g., “definitely, placidly”).
Noun Phrase Extension Resources
The noun phrase is extended using various resources:
- Prepositional complements depending on the noun, which help clarify or define its meaning (e.g., “fashion magazines”)
- Subordinate adjective clauses
- Apposition (e.g., “feudal lord, the tyrannical and domineering male”)
- Finally, the use of incisive, explanatory journalistic phrasing (e.g., “these aberrations”)
Verb Phrase (VP) Analysis
Tense Usage
There is a predominance of present tense, indicating that the subject is treated as a current issue concerning contemporary society (e.g., “it preaches, are scratching”). The recent past (Preterite Perfect) is used to describe the evolution of women in recent times, particularly their achievement of rights and independence from male subjugation (e.g., “we have managed, has undergone”).
Voice & Person
The impersonal passive is repeatedly used as a mark of objectivity (e.g., “it is spoken”). The persons used are the third-person singular and plural, and the first-person plural (e.g., “we have achieved, we are”), to engage and involve the recipient of the message.
Mood
In the most argumentative parts of the text, the subjunctive mood is employed to help develop the central idea.