LANGUAGE AND TEXT
Our ability to use spoken and written language makes us different to all other creatures on Earth. Knowing a language allows us to communicate, to interact with others and to understand our world.
We are not born with language. We have to learn how to use it and understand it so we can gain meaning and communicate our messages to others. When we know a language, we can make choices about the words we need to use and put these words together to create meaning. Our knowledge of words and word patterns allow us to read, write, speak and listen in a meaningful way.
Language, therefore, is a system of sounds (for speaking) and symbols (for writing) which can be arranged in patterns to communicate meaning between those who know the system.
What is a text?
Texts are pieces of written or spoken language created for a particular purpose. When we speak or write, we create texts. When we listen, read or view texts, we interpret them for meaning. A good piece of text requires the creator to make the right choices from the language system; choices about words, sentences, processes and features. These choices will reflect our purpose and context.
The purpose of a text might be to persuade or inform or a combination of both. The context is influenced by our culture (beliefs, attitudes, values) and situation (what is happening, who is involved and whether we are speaking or writing).
There are two main categories of text: literary and factual. Literary texts, such as Aboriginal dreaming stories, movie scripts, plays, novels, song lyrics and soap operas, appeal to our imagination and emotions. Factual texts, such as advertisements, announcements, recipes, reports and Internet web sites, present information and ideas in order to show, tell or persuade us.
Text can be divided into different text types. Each text types has a typical structure that can be recognised by users of our language system. Text types are used by speakers and writers to communicate for a particular purpose. Knowing how to identify and construct text types, then, is the basis of literacy.
Literary texts
The category of literary text can be divided into three main text types: NARRATIVE, POETIC, and DRAMATIC. When a speaker or writer makes judgements about any of these text types, a response text is created.
The NARRATIVE text type tells a story using spoken or written language. It can be communicated using radio, television, books, newspapers, and computer files. Pictures, facial expressions and camera angles can also be used to help communicate meaning. Narratives are also usually told by a story teller. This person gives his/her point of view to the audiences and determines the order in which the event s of the story will be told.
POETIC text types express feelings and impressions of life. A poem can tell a story or give the poet’s views of people and events. Poems can have common structures such as rhyming the last word of lines or using a certain number of lines.
DRAMATIC text types use acting to communicate ideas and experiences. Dramas can be spoken or written. They often use visuals such as facial expressions, costumes and sets to help communicate meaning.
RESPONSE text types give a person’s response (judgement, opinions, reactions) to another text such as a book, film or poem. The purpose of a response is to describe to the audience the artistic work and provide a judgement about it.
Factual texts
The main texts in this category are EXPLANATION, INFORMATION, REPORT, DISCUSSION, EXPOSITION, RECOUNT, FACTUAL DESCRIPTION, PROCEDURE AND PROCEDURAL RECOUNT.
An EXPLANATION tells how or why something occurs. Explanations can be spoken or written and the purpose is to tell each step of the process ( THE HOW) and to give reasons (THE WHY).
An INFORMATION report is a piece of text that presents information about a subject. The purpose is to classify and/or describe using facts about the subject’s parts, behaviour and qualities. The subject is usually a ‘general thing’, for example ‘skin’ rather than a particular person’s skin.
A DISCUSSION gives the for and against, the positive and negative, or the good and bad points. A discussion can be in oral or written form. The purpose of a discussion is to present to the audiences different opinions on a topic and, at the end, your opinion.
An EXPOSITION is a piece of text that presents one side of an issue. The purpose of an exposition is to persuade the reader or listener by presenting one side of an argument, that is, the case ‘for’ or the case ‘against’.
Factual texts
The main texts in this category are EXPLANATION, INFORMATION, REPORT, DISCUSSION, EXPOSITION, RECOUNT, FACTUAL DESCRIPTION, PROCEDURE AND PROCEDURAL RECOUNT.
An EXPLANATION tells how or why something occurs. Explanations can be spoken or written and the purpose is to tell each step of the process ( THE HOW) and to give reasons (THE WHY).
An INFORMATION report is a piece of text that presents information about a subject. The purpose is to classify and/or describe using facts about the subject’s parts, behaviour and qualities. The subject is usually a ‘general thing’, for example ‘skin’ rather than a particular person’s skin.
A DISCUSSION gives the for and against, the positive and negative, or the good and bad points. A discussion can be in oral or written form. The purpose of a discussion is to present to the audiences different opinions on a topic and, at the end, your opinion.
An EXPOSITION is a piece of text that presents one side of an issue. The purpose of an exposition is to persuade the reader or listener by presenting one side of an argument, that is, the case ‘for’ or the case ‘against’.
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