The aim of this study is to define the seven key criteria which ensure that a text functions as a text and to illustrate them by using concrete examples from the speech ‘A More Perfect Union’ by Barack Obama. It will be discussed how each criterion operates to make a text a text and thereby fulfil its textual function. At the beginning and as an introduction to the topic, the term text will be defined and the connection to the seven standards of textuality will be set up. This will lead to the main part of the work, in which the definition of each of the seven key criteria and their functionality will be pointed out, explained by means of concrete examples from the speech of Barack Obama. The conclusion consists of a condensed summary of the topic.
Table of contents
List of figures
1 Introduction
1.1. Aim of this study
1.2. Structure of this study
2 Definition of text
3 Main part
3.1 Cohesion
3.2 Coherence
3.3 Informativity
3.4 Intentionality
3.5 Acceptability
3.6 Situationality
3.7 Intertextuality
4 Conclusion
Primary Sources
Works cited
Internet Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the seven criteria for textuality?
The seven key criteria are cohesion, coherence, informativity, intentionality, acceptability, situationality, and intertextuality.
Which famous speech is used as an example in this study?
The study illustrates the criteria using Barack Obama’s speech ‘A More Perfect Union’.
What is the difference between cohesion and coherence?
Cohesion refers to the grammatical and lexical linking within a text (surface level), while coherence refers to the logical and conceptual connections that make sense to the reader (meaning level).
How does 'situationality' affect a text?
Situationality concerns the factors which make a text relevant to a specific situation or context, ensuring it is appropriate for the time and place it occurs.
What does 'intentionality' mean in text linguistics?
Intentionality refers to the text producer's attitude and purpose – the goal they want to achieve with the text, such as informing or persuading an audience.
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- Cornelius Nolte (Autor), 2021, What makes a text a text? Criteria for text functionality, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1190103
