The word “text” is a very expansive term that covers a lot of ground. Until I took ENG 2020 when I thought of the word text, I thought of printed text like books or articles. I even associated text with just words in general. Text can be defined as any concepts, ideas, connections, etc. being perceived according to how the author wants it to be.
Eyman says, “text can be the container for arguments or persuasive discourse” which allows the author to use their text to convey a certain message. He then goes on to address Robert de Beaugrande and Wolfgang Dressler’s approach to text on page 21. These authors created a list of criteria that contains 7 words that all meet the parts of communication necessary to get your point across successfully. The list contains the words hesion, coherence, intentionality, acceptability, informality, situationality, and intertextuality. Using these rhetorical features in text helps to create a stronger central argument.
To my understanding, text is most successful when it reaches the audience how they can best relate to it. Compared to fixating on exactly what it is you’re trying to say. For example, our remix essay from 2020. We used a personal previously written text that worked in one setting because we knew how to target that specific audience. Then, we changed the format of it to target a different audience.
To me, text is something that is more about how you say something, not what you’re saying. Another example of this could be the funny/holiday-themed road signs placed on the parkways. One of them will say something like, “Stop texting and driving Santa’s watching” around Christmas time. This works so well because not only is it funny, but it’s short enough to read while driving. Having text that is more relatable to your target audience makes it easier for your point to land successfully. Also, more enjoyable for the audience.
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