Language Analysis: Genre and Mode

• Genre refers to the specific category or kind of text, including literature, poetry, magazines, online blogs, etc. Understanding the genre is crucial for identifying specific styles, conventions, and expectations within a text.

• Modes of a text refer to the means of communication - spoken, written, or multimodal (combination of spoken, written, visual, or auditory). Each mode has its unique linguistic features and conventions.

• The analysis must focus on identifying the genre and mode of the text first, which forms the basis for further analysis.

• Written mode typically uses more formal language, complex sentences, and adheres to grammatical rules. It includes texts like novels, essays, articles, etc.

• Spoken mode is generally more informal, with shorter sentences, interruptions, incomplete sentences, and often includes fillers, hesitations, false starts and repetition. This mode represents real-time and immediate communication such as speeches, conversations, interviews, etc.

• Multimodal texts exploit the potentials of both speech and writing, often enriching the meaning with images, symbols, and sounds. Examples include social media posts, web pages, digital posters, etc.

• Genre and mode indirectly shape discourse structure, lexis, syntax and grammar of a text.

• The intended audience, social context, and purpose significantly influence the choice of genre and mode.

• While analysing, one must focus on how language and form work together to create meaning, maintain coherence and cohesion, and how they align with the conventions of its genre and mode.

• It’s essential to draw connections between linguistic features and the broader social, cultural, historical, or political context of the text.

• Discerning tonal devices such as irony, humour, or sarcasm, could also provide insight into the text’s genre and purpose. For example, satire or parody typically employs such devices.

• Consider whether historical or contemporary standard language norms and conventions are being upheld or challenged in the piece and what implications this might have for the genre or mode.