Diskurskohärenz

Diskurskohärenz is the concept of coherence in discourse, referring to the unity and logical connectedness of a text or spoken communication. It examines how sentences, clauses, and larger units relate structurally and semantically so that a reader or listener can follow the intent and meaning without confusion. The term is used in linguistics, communication studies, and rhetoric, and is closely linked to related notions such as coherence, cohesion, and narrative structure.

Coherence is often produced by both linguistic and extralinguistic means. Linguistically, cohesive devices such as reference, substitution, ellipsis, and lexical repetition link segments of a discourse, while logical connectors like contrast, cause and effect, and elaboration reveal relationships between ideas. Extralinguistically, coherence depends on shared knowledge, topic continuity, and the discourse’s purpose. In academic writing, achieving diskurskohärenz involves structuring arguments with clear signposting, maintaining a consistent point of view, and aligning content with the overall thesis.

The study of discursive coherence began with the work of coherence theorists in the 1970s and expanded through cognitive linguistics and discourse analysis. Contemporary research investigates how coherence operates across different genres, cultures, and media, and how computational models can detect or generate coherent text. In educational contexts, teachers emphasize coherence in writing instruction, guiding students to use transitions and maintain thematic consistency. Understanding diskurskohärenz helps researchers and practitioners evaluate the quality of communication, design more effective texts, and develop tools for natural language understanding and generation.