Textual Properties: Consistency, Adequacy, and Cohesion
Consistency: First, we focus on the property that shows the text as a semantic unit and provides information that allows us to perceive its global significance. This property is coherence and includes the subject, the abstract, and the structure of the text. Once the axis on which the text turns is extracted, a brief outline of the text content is divided into three parts: the thesis (which is briefly explained), the type of argument (inductive, deductive, circular, etc.).
Adequacy: We discuss the property of the text that explores the relationship between the context in which it was written and published, which is adequacy. We are facing an argumentative expository text because the intention of the sender is, on one hand, to report on an objective fact (i.e., the intention of the author). In the text, we find a textual structure that begins with the expository part, where it explains and reports on the selection of moments saved in memory and their functions. The argumentative text is found where the author’s opinion is shown. The predominant features are expressive, appealing, and poetic. Logically, the benchmark is present because it states facts or ideas related to the context. In modalization mechanisms, which are evident linguistic elements of subjectivity and personal views of the author, a number of inclusive plurals are showcased, such as (we, us). Evaluative expressions like (freak, stupid, crazy) and modal verbs (seem, I feel) are also present. The use of rhetorical figures, such as metaphor (Lin. Don Quixote), is emphasized. The register used is formal but not excessive, given that journalistic texts are aimed at a non-specialized average reader. In terms of personal deixis (I have noted, I have approached), the pronoun (I, I feel), and the inclusive plural (make us think) are used. In terms of spatial deixis… (a few days ago, future). The channel used (the letter) is a factor that determines the degree of formality of the text, as the author requires a certain degree of preparation. It is precisely the chosen channel that prevents the sender and receiver from sharing the time and space of the enunciation, though presumably not very far apart. The letter is proposed as an article of opinion, as it is first formed (author), then reflects on something, and finally joins the style from a personal approach. Its field of use is journalism. Thus, there is a predominance of denotative language in information such as (man, heart, banner) and connotative language in the opinion (wrong, unfortunately). Finally, quotes and parentheses are used.
Cohesion: We now turn to analyze cohesion, which is the property of texts that refers to the grammatical and semantic relationship among the statements that form the text. Mechanisms to achieve this cohesion are anaphora (the mechanism by which an element refers to one that has appeared previously). Furthermore, the cohesion between the lexical items present in the text is one of the basic forms of establishing this connection in surface structure, which can be based on both outright repetition (man, business, banner) and semantic relations of different types (man-on, destroy, ruin). We find hyperonyms (the media) and hyponyms (tele), as well as the presence of semantic fields. Discursive elements allow us to link sentences and paragraphs (but then…). After finishing this cohesion analysis, a personal assessment will be made.