Discourse - A-Level Language Terms

The term used to denote the medium of the language being explored, for example spoken or written. It can also be used to denote the format. For example, newspaper or TV script.

• linearity

• overlap

• pseudo-speech

• mode

Refers to the linear or structure of a text – typically a text written in chronological order.

• genre conventions

• linearity

• coherence

• framing moves

A spoken or written account of events which are connected.

• narrative

• exchange structure

• mode

• non-fluency

Refers to the way links and connections are used to unite elements of a discourse or text.

• adjacency pair

• narrative

• cohesion

• coherence

Refers to the way elements of a text or discourse combine to allow it to make semantic sense.

• coherence

• cohesion

• overlap

• topical shifts

Refers to the way certain interactions follow key exchange patterns to act as a single unit. 

For example, the Initiation – Response –Feedback structure is an expected pattern of discourse whereby the teacher asks a question, the student gives a response, and the teacher then gives feedback. The structure acts as a single unit of communication.

• pseudo-speech

• exchange structure

• framing moves

• linearity

Refers to a unit of conversation where each participant takes a turn and the two elements are functionally related. For example, both speakers say hello to each other, or one speaker asks a question and the other responds.

• overlap

• framing moves

• cohesion

• adjacency pair

Refers to the simultaneous talk of two or more participants in a conversation.

• overlap

• framing moves

• cohesion

• adjacency pair

Refers to the linguistic techniques used by a speaker to change the

subject of conversation. For example, ‘That reminds me...’ acts as a

_______ to a new topic.

• cohesion

• coherence

• topic shifts

• framing moves

Refers to linguistic patterns that are employed to highlight key segments of a discourse or text. For example, during a phone call one speaker may use a phrase like, ‘It’s been lovely to speak to you,’ as a way of _______ the close of the conversation.

• framing moves

• overlap

• topical shifts

• genre convention