ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-SYN-W0146 · ATLAS 251

Focus

The part of an utterance presented as especially informative, contrastive, or responsive to a current question.

Explanation

The part of an utterance presented as especially informative, contrastive, or responsive to a current question. It directs attention within the sentence and shapes which alternatives become relevant.

Example

The concept becomes visible in use and can be followed as a movement of interpretation.

Counterexample

Focus is an information-structural function and is not identical with typographic emphasis.

Distinction

Focus is an information-structural function and is not identical with typographic emphasis.

Effect on thought and perception

It directs attention within the sentence and shapes which alternatives become relevant.

Resonance

It directs attention within the sentence and shapes which alternatives become relevant.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Focus“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-SYN-W0146. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-SYN-W0146

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-SYN-W0146

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