To write a text correctly it is necessary to meet certain basic requirements. Thus, it is essential to respect the grammar rules, comply with the spelling rules and use an appropriate vocabulary for each context.
Likewise, for the writing to have internal coherence and an argumentative thread, it is necessary to use a series of textual markers, that is, a set of brief and independent linguistic structures that serve to structure, anticipate and connect sentences.
Their purpose is to improve the coherence and internal cohesion of a writing.
Different modalities of textual markers
If we want to emphasize or reinforce an assessment we can use different formulas, such as "the most important", "in other words", "that is to say", "that is", "to be more explicit", etc.
If we intend to structure or organize an argument with a certain hierarchical order, we can use the following formulas: "first", "to finish", "on the other hand", "last", "also", etc.
If you want to communicate an idea of approximation, you can use the following markers: "around", "approximately", "some", and so on.
To establish a causal relationship, some structures are used: "thus", "then", "consequently", "therefore" ...
If the purpose of the written message is to make comparisons, the most common textual markers are "like" or "like".
The most common opposition markers are: "but", "yet", "even so", "however" and "notwithstanding".
Probability or doubt is conveyed with formulas such as "perhaps", "so it seems", "perhaps", and so on.
Sometimes textual markers are used that provide a certain continuity to a discourse, such as "well" or "having said this."
In oral communication certain structures are used to make comments on the margin and without a direct relationship with the message, such as "by the way" or "now that I think about it."
Elements that help to interpret a text or an oral message
Markers or textual connectors allow establishing relationships between two or more ideas that maintain a certain logical connection. Without the proper use of these structures, the text loses its coherence and meaning.
On the other hand, it is a linguistic resource that allows to transmit ideas correctly and fluently in the argumentation process. The use of one marker or another can be decisive when it comes to properly expressing a message.
From a linguistic point of view, textual connectors are peripheral elements, that is, they are not part of the basic statement, but without them it would be impossible to interpret the meaning of a text.
The most common markers are organizers, connectors, reformulators, and argumentative. These elements are part of both written and oral communication.
Photo: Fotolia - Tinica10
