CONJUNCTIVE COHESION

The conjunctive cohesion or conjunctive relations refers to the logical relationships that the writer creates between the parts of a text.

These links create meaning between clauses or sentences, as well as may refer to external logical relations (real world) or internal relations (the writer´s organization of the text).

The conjunctive cohesion contributes to make the texture of a text, as it helps to build the semantic unit (unproblematic text).

There are three main kinds of conjunctive cohesion:

Elaboration: relationship of restatement or clarification; one sentence is presented as a re-saying, an explanation of a previous sentence (like clearing up the idea). Examples: in other words, that is to say, for example.

Extension: relationship of addition (one sentence adds to the meaning made in another) or variation (one sentence changes the meaning of another; contrast or qualification). Examples: and, also, in addition, but, instead.

Enhancement: one sentence can develop on the meaning of another, in terms of dimensions such as a time (then, next, at the same time), comparison (similarly, in a different way), cause (because of that, as a result, so), condition or concession (but, still, however).

This cohesion can be expressed explicitly by words or expressions, or implicitly by the juxtaposition of sentences; that is to say although there is no conjunction linking word, the reader makes sense reading in an extending relation between the sentences.

Examples from The Happy Prince

Elaboration: “The ruby has fallen out of his sword, his eyes are gone, and he is golden no longer”, said the Mayor, “in fact, he is little better than a beggar.”

Extension-variation: But the Happy Prince looked so sad that the little Swallow was sorry.

Extension-addition: (...) for in my garden of Paradise this little bird shall sing for evermore, and in my city of gold the Happy Prince shall praise me.

Enhancement-temporal: Then the Swallow flew back to the Happy Prince (...)

Enhancement-causal: “(...) we must throw it away.” So they threw it on a dust-heap (...)

Enhancement-concessive: (...) there were two rude boys, the miller´s sons, who were always throwing stones at me. They never hit me (...), but still, it was a mark of disrespect.