Филологические науки/7.Язык, речь, речевая коммуникация

Mykytiuk I.M., Ph.D.

Chernivtsi National University, Ukraine

Cohesive Markers in the Scientific Text

Language always occurs in some kind of context, and is potentially sensitive to all of the contexts in which it occurs. Moreover, language reflects the contexts of usage because it helps to constitute them. Language always has a communicative orientation since it is always directed toward a recipient (immediate or eventual), since it is intended to be so directed, and since it is attended to by a recipient.

Cohesion, a term introduced into scientific use by M.A.K. Halliday and R. Hasan [1], refers to the various linguistic means (grammatical, phonological, lexical) by which sentences “stick together”, that is, are linked into larger units of paragraphs or chapters. It is also known as “inter-sentential linkage/concord”, or “connectivity”. Cohesion is an important device for aiding argumentation, explanation, contrast, emphasis, etc.

This paper is an attempt to study the role of cohesive markers in scientific prose style which is known for its precision, clarity and logical sequencing. The corpus of data for analysis was singled out by the method of overall selection from a textbook on Economics by Paul A.Samuelson and William D. Nordhouse [2].

In this research we are guided by the approach suggested by English scholars M.A.K. Halliday and R.Hasan who argue, that although structure may be one definitional source of a text — a source that specific genres of texts share with sentences — a more compelling source is found at the level of semantic relationships underlying the text [1, p. 14]. Thus, particular items such as logical connectors help to create coherent discourse not because of their rule-governed distribution, but because they indicate an interpretive link between different fragments within the text.

Economics texts, in contrast to fiction, cover the issues which are not normally the subjects of every-day conversational discourse. Texts of this branch of scientific knowledge are not intended for wide audience; they are aimed at a specific circle of people involved in this sphere due to the type of their work or study. These texts are explanatory texts where the questions under study are expounded in a very comprehensive and intelligible manner. All the economics topics are connected with each other; they are interdependent and mutually supplemented. This dependence is best realized with the help of cohesive markers, which are capable of connecting new micro-texts where new micro-themes are elaborated. Economics texts are logically structured, since it is very important to understand what a certain economics theme is about. Without logical connectors the clear understanding of economics facts would not be possible.

Cohesive markers in the economics texts are used for different purposes. They reflect relations which take place on different levels of the text thus explicating the formal and semantic connections in the text.

The scientific style texts have certain characteristic features: objectivity, logical consistency (sequence), generalization, precision, brevity, analysis, synthesis, rigorous reasoning. Cohesive markers help to create a sort of a logically connected text. Besides, it is very important in such text types to convey the whole bulk of information.

Functional characteristics of logical connectors are numerous; with the help of them the presented facts are logically structured, the effect of certain statements is elucidated, addition or introduction of new concepts is signaled, similarity is shown, conflict or contradiction between two or more important thoughts is introduced, logical sequence of facts is expressed.

Analysis of textual material testifies to the fact that since this type of text involves special logical completeness and smooth transformation from one micro-theme to another, only certain groups of connectors are used in the text on economics.

Some facts connected with the economic life of the community, the reasons for various economic situations, explanations of the terms are presented in logical sequence with the help of such enumerative cohesive markers as: first, second, next, finally, to begin with, to conclude. For example: First, it can engage in progressive taxation, taxing large incomes at a higher rate than smaller incomes. Second, because low tax rates cannot help those who have no income at all [2], Finally, the last two columns show the annual net profit from each investment [2].

In order to add some new information to the above mentioned, to broaden the given facts with the new ones some reforming connectors are used: further, moreover, then, in addition, above all. For example: In addition, economists have developed a specialized technique known as econometrics, which applies the tools of statistics to economic problems [2]; Moreover, it is difficult to replicate the real economy in a laboratory [2].

The above specified groups are used more frequently than other connectors. It may be explained by the fact that each following micro-text adds some new facts to the above mentioned, while some facts, their reasons and effects are constantly enumerated.

Each chapter in the economics text ends in a summary, concepts for review, and appendix where the previously given information is summarized and sorted out. This is done with the help of the summative cohesive markers: therefore, thus, in all, to sum up, in conclusion, in summary. For example: Thus, if the economy produced 10 units of food, it could produce a maximum of 140 machines, but when the output of food is 20 units, only 120 machines can be manufactured [2]; In summary, the visible hand of government is firmly grounded in economic logic [2].

The appositive cohesive markers are used in the economics text as well, but to a lesser degree than the above mentioned connectors: that is to say, namely. For example: Hence, this analysis fails to hold other things (namely, total incomes) constant [2].

There are also quite a few adversative cohesive markers which are aimed at expressing contrast when the two ideas given by different economists are incompatible: on the other hand, conversely, but, by contrast. For example: By contrast, a command economy is one in which the government makes all important decisions about production and distribution [2], Conversely, when businesses see the likelihood of a sharp business recovery in the near future, they begin to plan for plant expansion [2].

Some of the connectors in the economics text serve to reflect the effect or result of the economic situation. In this case such cohesive markers are used: thus, hence, because, therefore, so, consequently. For example: Hence, they argue, lower tax rates produce higher revenues [2], Thus, in the multiplier model, higher taxes without increasing in government spending will tend to reduce real GNP [2].

To reiterate the main idea or purpose thus making the end of the micro-theme logically completed the inferential group of cohesive markers is used: in a word, in other words are used. For example: In other words, supply and demand are not the ultimate explanations of price [2]. In a word, utility denotes satisfaction [2].

And the last group of markers used in the economics text comprises the markers of concession: nevertheless, still, anyhow, in any case, in spite of. For example: Nevertheless, you must try to isolate the effects of higher gasoline prices by estimating what would happen of other things were equal [2], Nevertheless, as Adam Smith well knew when he protested against mercantilist policies of an earlier age, most economic systems are plagued by inefficiencies stemming from well-meaning but inexpert inferences with the mechanisms of supply and demand [2].

Thus, the function of connectors is to show logical relationship between the micro-themes of a scientific text. Logical connectors serve a powerful means of creating a coherent discourse.

Summing up it should be mentioned that the usage of the connectors depends upon the type of the text and upon the aim the author wants to achieve.

Bibliography:

1. Halliday M.A.K. Cohesion in English / Halliday M.A.K., Hasan R. — London: Longman, 1976. — 374 p.

2. Samuelson P.A., Nordhouse W.D. Economics [Електронний ресурс] — Режим доступу: http://www.mhhe.com/economics/samuelson17/students/chapter1.pdf — Заголовок з екрану.