Topicalization and Its Pragmatic and Textual Functions in Contemporary Hebrew Literature

Abstract

This paper offers an empirical examination of topicalization in contemporary Hebrew literature. A corpus chosen to reflect contemporary Hebrew prose was examined for topicalization, and the structures found were classified into six main models: simple topicalization, focalized topicalization, double topicalization, triple topicalization, quadruple topicalization, and multiple topicalization. Examination of the topicalized sentences shows that this device is quite prevalent in contemporary Hebrew literature. In every paragraph, the addresser chooses to use at least one topicalized sentence, thus reflecting an understanding that these topicalization groups, especially simple topicalization, are essential in organizing the narrative. This understanding that topicalization is an essential element in the textual organization of the contemporary Hebrew story provides the writer tools for constructing a coherent text and helps the reader decipher the text.