hovedudtrykket

Hovedudtrykket is a term used in Danish linguistics and communication studies to denote the central or primary expression within a unit of language or communication. The concept can be applied in both syntactic analysis and in pragmatic interpretation, where it signals what the producer wants to emphasize as the core content.

In syntax, hovedudtrykket often corresponds to the head of a phrase or clause—the element that determines the grammatical category of the larger unit and to which other elements relate. For example, in a noun phrase, the noun typically functions as the head; in a verb phrase, the main verb serves as the head. Beyond strict syntax, the term can also refer to the semantic focus or the main idea conveyed by an utterance, i.e., the central message the speaker intends to communicate.

The notion is used in the analysis of phrases, clauses, and sometimes multimodal texts where the main message is highlighted through layout, focus, or other expressive means. It is a concept found primarily in Danish academic writing and may be encountered in discussions of information structure, discourse analysis, or rhetoric.

Hovedudtrykket is related to, but distinct from, related terms such as hovedord (head word) and main-point concepts in discourse. In practical applications, identifying the hovedudtrykket can guide interpretation, design, and communication strategies by clarifying what should be perceived as the primary content or message.