Analysis of 'Texting makes a move'

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Adam Weeks 12A        English Language Coursework: Language Analysis

Analysis of 'Texting makes a move'

        The article 'Texting makes a move' is taken from the Guardian online website. As the Guardian is a broadsheet newspaper the use of broadsheet conventions have been extended to this article. The use of language by broadsheet newspapers would suggest a more sophisticated audience and this article has many examples of sophisticated and specialised vocabulary. The subject of this article is text messaging, but also comments on the impact of text messaging on the business market. The informative function of this text is displayed through the format and the language used throughout. The main features of the text are: specific vocabulary; formality; the semantic and lexical fields produced and the cohesion of the text.

The article 'Texting makes a move' uses specific vocabulary that requires assumed knowledge from the audience. The use of noun phrases such as "buffer at the base station", "store and forward technology", "short codes" and "load balancing software" all combine to illustrate that this article requires knowledge of certain technical terms. The use of specific lexis can be used to investigate the type of audience the article is aimed at. In addition to the assumed knowledge required for this article the writer also uses sophisticated language to target a specific audience. The use of these sophisticated nouns and adjectives such as "infrastructure", "remedial" and "apathetic" are just a few examples of the writers attempt to attract a particular audience. As well as the use of individual words, the use of cultural references will also ensure an appreciation from the targeted audience. The writer uses the philosophical phrase "I think, therefore I am" said by Rene Descartes and changes it to "I am, therefore I text" to relate the reference to the subject of the article. The use of this statement serves only to reiterate the audience that the article is trying to attract. Despite the use of sophisticated language throughout the article, the opening paragraph

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        Throughout the article, the writer uses certain types of lexis and structures to indicate the level of formality of the text. Due to the source of the article, the Guardian website, the use of more formal language is to be expected. Throughout the piece, the use of polysyllabic words for instance, "infrastructure", "predictably" and "intermediaries" all suggest that the article aimed at a readership that expects some formality to the text. The use of modifiers in this article such as "touted", "remedial", "urgent", "warning", "huge" and "moderate" have different functions, some of the modifiers such as "touted" and "remedial" add ...

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