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This book is a study of techniques used to introduce, continue and change the discourse topic in expository writing. Discourse topic is examined by focusing on the sequential techniques and strategies in a step-by-step process. To describe the process a model of sequentiality is proposed. The aims of the book are to advance current thinking in discourse analysis and to provide a practical exemplar of expository discourse.
List of contents
Introduction
BRINGING THE TOPIC UP: FACETS OF TOPICThematics: The State of the Art
Topic as a Discrete Element
Topic as a Structuring Frame
The Need for a Model
Topic as a Sequential Structure
Summary
TRACING THE TOPIC: SEQUENTIAL RELATIONS AND STRATEGIESThe Problem of Topic as a Sequential Structure
Strategies of Sequentiality
Sequential Techniques in Expository Text
The Signals of Topic Structure
Summary
MODELING SEQUENTIAL TOPICThe Patterning of Topic Structure
Framing the Analysis
Topic Structure Heuristics
The Hierarchy and Synergy of Signals
Text Boundaries
THE TOPIC MODEL IN ACTIONTexts in English
English and Greek Texts in Contrast
THE TOPIC MODEL IN PERSPECTIVE: TOWARD A MULTIPLANE DESCRIPTION OF DISCOURSEText Organization and Sequential Relations
The Interaction of Topic Structure with Other Text Relations
The Multifunctionality of Topic Signals
The Contribution of Topic Structure to Text Organization and Coherence
ROUNDING THE TOPIC OFF: CONCLUSIONSThe Modeling of Discourse Topic
Connections and Implications
Sequential Relations and Beyond
Appendices
Bibliography
Index
