The dilemma of analytic units in textual research: problems and possible solutions

Abstract

When investigating descriptive analyses of real-world language samples we find a highly varied use of analytic units. However, the use of different units of a suprasentential order makes it difficult to generalize the results obtained in such analyses, which supposes a dilemma in text research. This article is an attempt at delimiting the most relevant analytic units, focusing on the dichotomies 'text/discourse', 'register/genre', theoretical unit/practical unit' and 'level/range'. The background of terms is analyzed with a view to find a series of rules which would fill the void of a missing singles analytic criterion. We also consider the practical environment of discourse in the areas of language for specific purposes and translation, where this problem frequently surfaces