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“Cohesion and Pragmatic Theory in Second‐Language Writing Instruction”
Author(s) -
Williams Howard
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
language and linguistics compass
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.619
H-Index - 44
ISSN - 1749-818X
DOI - 10.1111/lnc3.12005
Subject(s) - cohesion (chemistry) , linguistics , comprehension , checklist , coherence (philosophical gambling strategy) , computer science , second language writing , grounded theory , psychology , sociology , second language , cognitive psychology , qualitative research , philosophy , mathematics , social science , chemistry , statistics , organic chemistry
Textual coherence is often characterized in English as a second or foreign language (ESL/EFL) writing classes as a function of the presence of overt cohesive elements. A common result of a cohesion emphasis is learner overuse of connective expressions. This paper sketches a rationale, grounded in current pragmatic theory, for a pedagogical approach to connectives that addresses both underuse and overuse in relationship to writer audience. Though textbooks typically supply checklist questions centering on audience, these questions are mainly topic‐specific. The inclusion of additional questions oriented to more general reader comprehension issues is recommended.