Text cannot be understood simply as a bunch of words put together. To be a text, the words need to relate to each other and, together, make sense, that is, they need to convey a message.
Every text is written to be read by someone, so clarity is key. For this, in addition to choosing the words and their connecting elements – or connecting elements (preposition, conjunction) – well, it is necessary to make sense of the ideas.
In a text, the resource used to connect ideas is called textual coherence, which is an important instrument for the harmony of the text.
For a text to be coherent, it needs to be logical. Therefore, there can be no contradiction between any of the parts that compose it. In addition, you need to consider the type of language (cultured, colloquial), the type of text and the recipient of the message (receiver). See some examples of inconsistencies in the text:
- The hot dog ate the boy;
- In the street, I saw a huge garbage bag. I stayed quiet to see what would happen;
- The sky was beautiful, indigo blue announcing heavy rain;
- I arrived late, but on schedule;
The examples above demonstrate inconsistency, don't they? Let's see:
- Everyone knows that a hot dog cannot eat anyone, as it is the food. Therefore, this is an incoherent construction, as it has no logic;
- The garbage bag doesn't move, so nothing could happen;
- The sky that announces heavy rain does not have the description presented;
- There is an inconsistency here, as the expression arrive on time is used when someone arrives exactly on time. Therefore, it is not considered a delay.
Coherence is a very important factor for the meaning of the text, so it is necessary to pay attention and reread the text to see if all the ideas are in harmony and if the language is adequate to the text and the reader.
By Mayra Pavan
Graduated in Letters
