signaalfrazen

Signaalfrazen, a term originating from German, translates roughly to "signal phrases" in English. In linguistic and writing contexts, signaalfrazen are words or short phrases that signal a transition, introduce new information, or indicate the relationship between different parts of a text. They serve as signposts for the reader, helping to guide them through the flow of ideas and improve comprehension.

These phrases are crucial for organizing written or spoken communication. They can introduce direct quotes or reported speech, such as "she said," "he argued," or "according to the report." They also help to establish connections between sentences or paragraphs, indicating cause and effect ("therefore," "consequently"), contrast ("however," "on the other hand"), or addition ("furthermore," "in addition"). Examples include introductory phrases like "to begin with," transitional phrases like "moving on to the next point," and concluding phrases like "in summary." The strategic use of signaalfrazen can make a text clearer, more coherent, and easier for the audience to follow. They are an essential tool for effective communication, helping to structure arguments and present information logically.