Beyond Cohesion: Toward a Theory of Coherence

The book "Beyond Cohesion: Toward a Theory of Coherence" is a comprehensive treatment of coherence that builds on the work of Halliday and Hasan and offers a multidisciplinary approach, appealing to graduate studies in rhetoric and composition, linguistics, language and cognition, and artificial intelligence.

Format: Hardback
Length: 118 pages
Publication date: 19 May 2023
Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing Inc

If coherence is the sine qua non of nearly all written communication, why do we not have a comprehensive treatment of it, especially for those who study or teach formal, academic writing?

Beyond Cohesion: Toward a Theory of Coherence, a groundbreaking work by Frank Davis, delves into the intricate nature of coherence and offers a comprehensive exploration along three distinct lines: linguistic, cognitive, and culturally salient. This innovative approach employs close linguistic argumentation and numerous illustrative examples to shed light on coherence, a concept that is often referred to but seldom systematically studied. While primarily aimed at graduate students in rhetoric and composition, this book also provides valuable insights for those working in linguistics, language and cognition, and artificial intelligence.

Coherence, as defined by Davis, is a crucial aspect of written communication that ensures the logical flow and unity of ideas. It encompasses the interconnectedness of sentences, paragraphs, and larger texts, as well as the relationship between different parts of a discourse. By examining coherence from various perspectives, including rhetoric, composition, linguistics, psychology, and cultural studies, Davis provides a rich and multifaceted understanding of this essential rhetorical concept.

One of the key strengths of Beyond Cohesion is its interdisciplinary approach. Davis draws upon theories and insights from diverse fields, allowing him to present a comprehensive and integrated understanding of coherence. This interdisciplinary synthesis not only broadens the scope of the study but also facilitates a deeper exploration of coherence's complexities.

The book is organized into three chapters, each dedicated to a specific aspect of coherence. In the first chapter, Davis provides a theoretical framework for understanding coherence, drawing upon insights from rhetoric, composition, and linguistics. He discusses the different types of coherence, such as logical, semantic, and textual coherence, and explores how they contribute to the overall coherence of a text. The second chapter focuses on cognitive coherence, exploring how the human mind processes and interprets information. Davis discusses the role of memory, attention, and mental models in constructing coherence and how they interact with linguistic and rhetorical strategies to create meaning. The third chapter explores culturally salient coherence, examining how cultural factors influence the construction of coherence in different contexts. Davis discusses the role of language, ideology, and social norms in shaping coherence and how they contribute to the formation of cultural identities.

Throughout the book, Davis employs close linguistic argumentation to illustrate the various aspects of coherence. He uses examples from a wide range of sources, including literature, journalism, and academic writing, to demonstrate how coherence is achieved through the use of specific linguistic devices, such as cohesion, coherence markers, and rhetorical figures. These examples not only clarify the theoretical concepts but also provide practical insights for those seeking to improve their writing and communication skills.

Beyond Cohesion is a valuable resource for both students and scholars in the fields of rhetoric and composition, linguistics, language and cognition, and cultural studies. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary treatment of coherence, providing a theoretical framework for understanding this essential rhetorical concept and practical insights for improving writing and communication skills. By exploring coherence from multiple perspectives, Davis has contributed to the development of a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of written communication, which is crucial in today's increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Weight: 265g
Dimension: 225 x 150 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636671031
Edition number: New ed