Text Analysis: Cohesion, Texture and Coherence

In discourse analysis, texture refers to the overall coherence and cohesion of a text. It
involves the ways in which sentences and ideas are connected to create a smooth
flow of information.

Texture is seen as an aspect of coherence, which is the quality that makes a text
semantically meaningful.

Refers to how different parts of a text fit together to create a cohesive and meaningful
whole.
Texture involves the use of language, such as grammar, vocabulary, and
sentence structure, to connect ideas and make the text flow smoothly.
Examples:

1. "John loves to play football. He is the captain of his school team. His team has won several
matches under his leadership."

In this discourse, the texture is created through the use of pronouns ("he", "his"), which refer
back to "John" mentioned in the first sentence.

2. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age
of foolishness..."

It's not only gives the passage a rhythmic quality but also ties the contrasting ideas together,
creating a coherent whole.

In both examples, texture is used to create a unified, meaningful piece of discourse.

There are several types of texture that are commonly analyzed in discourse analysis:

1. Referential texture in discourse analysis refers to the use of reference words or

expressions that link back to something previously mentioned in the text.

"Mary went to the park. She took her dog with her. It was a sunny day, and she enjoyed the
fresh air."
In this example, the pronoun 'she' refers back to 'Mary', and 'her' and 'it' refer to 'Mary'
and 'the day' respectively. These references create a cohesive link between the sentences,
contributing to the overall texture of the discourse.

2. Lexical texture in discourse analysis refers to the use of words and vocabulary choices
that contribute to the overall coherence and cohesion of a text. It involves the selection
and arrangement of words to create meaningful connections between different parts of the
discourse.
For example, instead of saying "The dog barked loudly," you can say "The dog howled
loudly."

3.Cohesive texture refers to the way different elements in a text are connected and linked
together to create a sense of unity and coherence.
1. Pronouns: The use of pronouns such as "he," "she," "it," and "they" helps to refer back to
previously mentioned entities, creating a cohesive link between different parts of the text. For
example, "John went to the store. He bought some groceries."
2. Conjunctions: The use of conjunctions such as "and," "but," "or," and "because"
helps to connect different ideas or clauses within a sentence or across sentences,
creating a cohesive flow of information. For example, "I went to the store, and I
bought some groceries."
3. Substitution: The use of substitute words or phrases to refer back to previously
mentioned entities. For example, "John has a cat. The animal is very playful."
4. Thematic texture refers to the way information is organized and presented in a text,
specifically focusing on the selection and arrangement of topics or themes.

1. Topic selection: The choice of topics or themes that are discussed in a text. For example, in a
news article about climate change, the main topics might include global warming, renewable
energy, and environmental policies.

2.Topic linkage: How topics are connected and related to each other within the text. This can
involve the use of transitional words or phrases, logical connections, or explicit references.
For example, in a research paper, the writer may use phrases like "in addition," "on the other
hand," or "furthermore" to link different sections or arguments.

5. Interactive texture refers to the interactive and dynamic nature of communication

between participants in a discourse.
1. Turn-taking: This involves one person speaking while others listen, and then another person
taking their turn to speak. For example, in a group discussion, each participant takes turns to
express their opinions or respond to others.

2. Interruptions: Instances where one participant interrupts another during a conversation.

This can happen for various reasons, such as disagreement, eagerness to contribute, or to
gain control of the conversation. For example, in a heated debate, participants may interrupt
each other to challenge or counter arguments.

3. Backchanneling: Verbal or non-verbal cues used by listeners to indicate active

engagement and understanding. This can include nodding, saying "uh-huh," or providing
brief verbal responses like "yes" or "I see" to show support or agreement. For example,
during a lecture, students may nod their heads to show that they are following along.
Differentiating Cohesion, Texture and Coherence

1. Cohesion: Cohesion refers to the linguistic devices and strategies used to create
connections and relationships between different parts of a text.

Cohesion is achieved through the use of pronouns, reference, conjunctions, lexical

cohesion, ellipsis, and substitution. It helps to establish links between sentences or
clauses, ensuring that the text flows smoothly and coherently.

2.Coherence: Coherence refers to the overall sense of unity, logical flow, and
meaningfulness in a text. It involves the organization and arrangement of ideas,
themes, and information in a way that makes sense to the reader or listener.
3.Texture refers to the combination of cohesion and coherence in a text or
conversation.

Texture is concerned with how different elements, such as words, phrases,

sentences, and ideas, are connected and woven together to create a coherent and
cohesive whole. It reflects the interactive and dynamic nature of
communication, including turn-taking, interruptions, backchanneling, and other
interactive features.

Overall, cohesion, coherence, and texture are three key concepts in discourse
analysis that relate to the organization and structure of a text or conversation.
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