Coherence Relations in Discourse

These flashcards cover key concepts related to coherence relations and discourse connections derived from the lecture notes.

Cohesion

The connections manifested within the text itself, creating a texture that aids in understanding.

Coherence

Connections made by the reader or hearer based on knowledge outside the text, contributing to the overall meaning.

Causal Relation

A coherence relation where one event or statement causes another, typically indicated by connectives such as 'because'.

Non-Causal Relation

A coherence relation where events are related without a cause-and-effect link; this can include sequences, purposes, or elaborations.

Purpose Relation

Indicates an intention behind actions, usually signaled by phrases like 'in order to' or 'so that'.

Condition Relation

Specifies the circumstances under which something holds true, often marked by the word 'if'.

Concession Relation

Acknowledges a counter-argument or exception, using connectives like 'although' or 'even though'.

Elaboration Relation

Provides additional information or clarification about a subject, enhancing understanding, often marked by words like 'for example'.

Sequence Relation

Indicates a chronological order of events, often marked by transitional phrases like 'then' or 'after that'.

Antithesis Relation

Contrasts two ideas, showing opposition, frequently using words like 'but' or 'however'.

Contextual Factors

Elements such as genre and reader characteristics that influence the effectiveness of coherence relations.

Connectives

Words or phrases used to signal coherence relations in discourse, enhancing clarity and comprehension.

Rhetorical Structure Theory (RST)

A framework for analyzing the hierarchical organization of discourse relationships.

Causal Process

Refers to relationships that depict cause-and-effect dynamics, often involving semantic processes in texts.

Prescriptive Connectives

Connectives that guide how coherence relations should be created, enhancing text organization.

Invisible Connections

Coherence relations that are not explicitly marked in the text but understood through the reader's background knowledge.

Genre-Specific Factors

Elements that differ across types of texts and affect how coherence relations are established and understood.

Psychological Evidence

Findings that support the need for coherence relations in improving text comprehension, based on reader's cognitive responses.

Discourse Markers

Words like 'and', 'but', 'therefore', which help to organize text and signal relations.