Dear hheyitsme,
�A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language�, 2010, by Professors Quirk, Greenbaum, Leech, Svartvik, and Crystal.
They devote the whole of Chapter 18, 18.1-18.59, pages 1351 � 1419, to �Theme, Focus, and Information processing�.
In 18.1, 1355, they refer to �� constructing a message: � so as to achieve the desired result. This means studying the devices by which we lead our hearer/reader to recognise unmistakably the piece of information that we see as the highlight of the message, at the same time providing enough additional material to ensure that the message is complete.�
18.8, 1360-1361, the writers refer to �given� information, (information already supplied by the previous linguistic context), followed by �new information�, (information which has not previously been supplied.)
�When we construct a message, it is a courtesy to the receiver, as well as a convenience for ourselves, to provide the point of the message with enough context for this point to be both clearly identified and unambiguously understood, as well as being placed in a normal linguistic framework�.
In my opinion, it is somewhat like a Question and an Answer.
First part, (�Given Information�), �I was woken up!� But, I have a Question: �What woke me up?�
Second part: (�New Information�), the Answer to your Question is: �A disturbing, scary, deafening noise!�
18.9, 1361, �� the new information is �the focus� of the message � so we can regard focus � as most neutrally and normally placed at the end of the information unit�
�Since the new information often needs to be stated more fully than the given, (that is, with a longer �heavier� structure), it is not unexpected that an organization principle which may be called END-WEIGHT comes into operation along with the principle of end-focus.�
18.13, 1366, �More broadly, � nouns generally convey more information than verbs�.
Communication is the absolute basis of language.
Let us imagine that �X� wishes to communicate a message to �Z�.
A skilled speaker/writer will convey the message:
By keeping the number of words to a minimum.
By using words whose effect is maximum.
And by arranging words whose meanings cannot be mistaken.
How can �X� do this?
�X� must focus the attention of �Z� on the most important words in the message: the centre, the heart, the nucleus of the message. This can be done in several ways, which, when combined can make the message powerful and emotive.
In speaking, obviously, the voice can be varied in pitch, tone, and stress to convey different emotions.
But, in writing, other tactics must be used: careful choice of words, repetition, use of figures of speech, etc.
However, one of the most effective methods, is to construct the piece of information so that the highlight of the message comes at the end.
�Give me liberty, or give me death!�
�To write with a broken pencil is pointless!�
�Dogs have masters. Cats have staff!�
A comedian tells the funniest joke at the end of the performance.
A chef serves a fantastic dessert at the end of a lovely meal.
A singer sings the best song at the end of the concert.
An athlete runs a lap of honour at the end of a race.
A speaker has a punch-line at the end of a speech.
In the words of the theatre � �Keep the best bit till last!�
Why?
Because we remember, vividly, any significant emotional experience!
It remains FIXED in our mind!
I hope that this helps you.
Les Douglas
