Written reformulation in a modular approach

Abstract

Reformulation is an important discursive strategy in the language user's everyday efforts to solve communicative problems. The object of investigation in this paper is the reformulation sequence signalled by c'est‐à‐dire in written French. The aim of the study presented is, in general, to throw light on the relation between form and use of this type of reformulation and, in particular, to describe its various functions. The methodological approach is that of modular linguistics, as developed by Nølke, wherein the different modules are connected by a system of global rules, assuring the coherence of the model. This paper attempts to show how a modular approach consisting of structural, semantic, pragmatic and textual components contributes to a new and accurate description of reformulation and, in particular, how modules interact and thereby assure a global perspective on the object of investigation.