Unit no.

4 : “Staging and the

representation of discourse
structures”
By: Areeba Zahid
"Discourse structure" refers to the overall
organization of a text, like how a poem, newspaper
article, or speech is put together to convey the
message.
 4.1- The linearisation problem:
One limitation for a speaker or writer is that they can only say or write one word at a time. When
they put these words into sentences, and those sentences into larger texts, the problem they face
is known as the 'linearisation problem.'
Examples:
1- Evaluative Comments:
* Example A: "I can't stand Sally Binns. She's tall and thin and walks like a crane."
* Example B: "I do admire Sally Binns. She's tall and thin and walks like a crane."

2-Sequence of Events:
* Example A: "She married and became pregnant.”
* Example B: "She became pregnant and married."
 4.2- THEME:
In the context of staging and representation of discourse structure, a theme refers to the initial part of a
sentence or discourse unit that sets the stage for what follows. The theme provides the framework
within which the rest of the message (known as the "rheme") is understood.
Examples:
1. Simple Sentence Structure:
* Example: "The weather today is very sunny."
* Theme: "The weather today"
* Rheme: "is very sunny"
2. Complex Sentence Structure:
* Example: "In the middle of the city, a new park has been built."
4.3- THEMATISATION AND
In simpler terms, thematisation and 'staging' are about putting important ideas or topics
STAGING:
upfront and organizing the elements of communication in a way that guides the audience
through the message, making it easier to understand and follow.

4.3.1- STAGING:
A term used to describe the arrangement or organization of elements in a
discourse, whether written or spoken.
 4.3.2- THEME AS THE MAIN
In the context of staging and representing discourse structure, the theme acts like the main character or topic
entity around whichCHARACTER
the communication revolves. / TOPIC ENTITY:
1. Central Focus:
* Just like a main character in a story, the theme is the central focus of the discourse.
2. Guiding Element:
* Similar to how a main character drives the plot forward, the theme guides the progression of the discourse.
3. Establishing Context:
* Like a main character introduces the context of a story, the theme establishes the context for the entire
discourse. It provides a framework within which the audience interprets the information presented.
4.Consistency and Continuity:
* Just as a main character's actions and decisions shape the story, the theme ensures consistency and
continuity throughout the discourse
5.Impact on Interpretation:
* The theme significantly influences how the audience interprets the discourse. It sets the tone and direction,
shaping the audience's perception of the information presented.
 4.3.3- TITLES AND
THEMATISATION:
1. 1. Titles:
2. Titles are the names given to written or spoken works, like books, articles, or speeches.
They're like the name of a story.
3. 2. Thematisation: Thematisation is about putting emphasis on certain ideas or topics in a
conversation or text. It's like shining a spotlight on what's important.

4. They both help guide the audience through the message, making it clearer and easier to
understand.
 4.3.4- THEMATIC
STRUCTURES:
Thematic structures are the ways in which important ideas or topics (themes) are
organized and highlighted within a conversation or text to guide the audience’s
understanding. They set the stage by introducing important topics first, guide the audience
through the information, connect different parts of the discourse, and emphasize what’s
most important.
 4.3.5- NATURAL ORDER AND
POINT OF VIEW:
Natural Order: Natural order refers to the logical or expected sequence in which events or information are
presented. It's how things typically happen in real life or in a straightforward way.
Example: "She graduated from college, found a job, and then got married."

Point of View: Point of view is the perspective from which the information is presented. It can be from the
speaker’s perspective, the listener’s perspective, or from someone else involved in the discourse.
Example:
* First Person: "I think this book is amazing."
* Third Person: "He thinks this book is amazing."
* Explanation: The point of view changes how the information is presented and can influence how the
audience interprets it.
CONCLUSI
ON
In this chapter, we explored key concepts in the
staging and representation of discourse structures,
focusing on how information is organized and
presented in communication.
Thank You
See you next time!