The limits of discourse: conditioning factors and realizations

Abstract

This paper deals with the different levels of analysis impinging on the study of spoken discourse. Specifically, it shows that variations, levels and principles are closely interwoven in the description of every kind of discourse. In this connection, a fundamental two-fold distinction is made between conditioning elements on the one hand, and the realizations, on the other. Conditioning factors are those aspects responsible for shaping a piece of discourse in a specific way. When these aspects are reflected in a given piece of discourse one way or another, these are referred to as realizations. The former falls within the domain of external variation, while the latter belongs to the domain of internal variation. This paper examines in some detail the devices, units and discoursal-interpretive effects inherent to internal variation. As for external variation, the focus of study is on conditioning factors of different types: lectal, modal, concerning the degree of consciousness, functional, situational and ideological. These two types of variation interact in a dynamic way with levels (suprasentential, sequential, sentential and intrasentential) and principles (i.e. correction, clarity, efficiency and adequacy).