From clause to discourse: Managing written discourse

Abstract

his paper explores the main points where form and function, as two decisive facets of discourse analysis, interact to serve communication as a whole and written communication in particular. This potential increases if it is conceived of within a discourse analysis framework. It is suggested that in order for learners to manage the written mode of discourse they should be led gradually to proceed discourse propositionally and illocutionarily, operationalizing, thus, the form/function interaction. Arguably, handling discourse at these two levels is expected to enhance learners’ formal and functional awareness.