The role of textual binding element “Now about...” in the text structure

Abstract

The binding element “Now about...” is a means of formation of distant cohesion in the text. It combines the features of grammatical and lexical means of connectivity, which is substantiated by its structure: presence of the permanent grammaticalized component “now about” and substitutable position for preposition. Within the structure of the text, the binding element performs the transition to a new micro-theme as part of the macro-theme, while fulfilling a prospective or a prospective-retrospective function. In terms of prospective function, the formal role is played by grammaticalized component of the binding element, and in terms of prospective-retrospective – both  components; the functions are allocated as follows: free component of the binding element serves as a keyword and fulfills distant retrospective cohesion, while grammaticalized component “now about” due to its semantics, forms the relations of prospection.  The binding element “Now about...” may interact with other logical bonds and also form connectivity, which testifies to its functional self-sufficiency. The acquired results can be applied in lexicographic practice for the development and creation of lexical entries for dictionaries of functional words of the Russian language, in editorial activity, in teaching the syntax of the Russian language, for philological analysis of the text, as well as in teaching Russian as a foreign language.