Introduction to Argumentative Operators

Relevance of the Theme

Argumentative Operators are crucial tools for building a cohesive, coherent, and persuasive discourse. Understanding them paves the way for comprehending how ideas relate within a text, providing the key to interpreting complex messages. Mastering these operators is a necessary skill for both effective writing and efficient text comprehension.

Contextualization

Argumentative operators are an essential element of the Portuguese discipline in the High School curriculum, becoming particularly relevant in the study of Semantics and Pragmatics. We are immersed in a world where discourse permeates all spheres of knowledge and communication. The ability to identify and use argumentative operators not only enhances linguistic competence but also empowers students to play a more active and critical role in their language interactions, whether through reading, writing, or speaking.

Theoretical Development

Components

• Argumentative operators: These are words or expressions used to establish logical relationships between ideas, arguments, and sentences in a text. They determine the overall meaning of sentences and facilitate the articulation of ideas. Some examples include 'therefore,' 'thus,' 'so,' 'however,' 'nevertheless,' 'yet,' 'furthermore,' 'indeed,' 'certainly,' and 'possibly.'

• Cohesion and coherence: The relationships established by argumentative operators directly contribute to the cohesion and coherence of the text. Cohesion deals with the logical and grammatical connection between words and sentences, while coherence refers to the internal logic of the text, its organization, and the harmonious relationship between the ideas presented.

• Argumentation structure: Argumentative operators help structure the argumentation of a text by providing logical connections between different parts of the argument. They can indicate a conclusion, a cause, a condition, a contradiction, an addition, or an exemplification, among other aspects.

Key Terms

• Semantics: Branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, phrases, and texts, and how these meanings are integrated and modified by contexts.

• Pragmatics: Studies how the meaning of a statement depends on the linguistic and extralinguistic context in which it is uttered, including shared knowledge and the speaker's intentions.

Examples and Cases

• Use of 'therefore': This operator is often used to indicate a logical conclusion or an inference from what was previously stated. For example, in 'The sky is cloudy. Therefore, it will rain.', the second sentence is a logical conclusion based on the first.

• Use of 'however': This operator signals opposition, contradiction, or a caveat in relation to what was previously stated. For example, in 'He studied a lot. However, he did not pass the exam.', the second sentence contradicts the first.

• Use of 'furthermore': This operator is used to add an argument or information that reinforces what was previously stated. For example, in 'He is intelligent. Furthermore, he is dedicated.', the second sentence adds relevant information to the first.

• Use of 'possibly': This operator expresses the possibility of a fact or situation occurring. For example, in 'He studied a lot. Possibly, he will pass the exam.', the second sentence indicates that the fact that he studied a lot may lead to the conclusion that he will pass the exam, although there are no guarantees.

Detailed Summary

Key Points

• Definition of Argumentative Operators: These linguistic components are vital for building cohesive and coherent discourses. They help establish the relationship between the ideas and arguments of a text, providing the key to understanding and interpreting complex messages.

• Importance of Cohesion and Coherence: Cohesion, which refers to the logical and grammatical relationship between words and sentences, and coherence, which refers to the internal logic of the text, are two crucial aspects of language that argumentative operators directly contribute to.

• Concept of Semantics and Pragmatics: To fully understand argumentative operators, it is essential to have an understanding of the meaning of these words and how they can be modified by context. Semantics deals with the meaning of words and texts, while pragmatics analyzes how the meaning of a statement depends on the context in which it is uttered.

• Argumentation Structure: Argumentative operators are tools that give structure to an argument, providing logical connections between its different parts.

Conclusions

• Linguistic Competence: The ability to identify and use argumentative operators is an essential skill for linguistic competence. Mastery of these operators enables the student to engage more actively and critically in language interaction, whether in reading, writing, or speaking.

• Efficient Writing: The ability to use argumentative operators effectively improves the quality of writing, allowing for the construction of stronger arguments and the presentation of ideas more clearly.

• Text Interpretation: Understanding argumentative operators is crucial for text interpretation, as they provide clues about the relationship between the expressed ideas, helping the reader understand the overall meaning of the text.

Exercises

1. Identifying Argumentative Operators: Given a list of sentences or paragraphs, students should identify the argumentative operators present. They can also rewrite the sentences or paragraphs, replacing the identified operators with others with similar meanings.

2. Creating Contexts: Students should create their own examples of sentences or paragraphs that use argumentative operators in different contexts. For example, they can create a sentence that uses the operator 'therefore' to indicate a conclusion, and another sentence that uses the same operator to indicate a condition.

3. Analyzing Discourses: Students should analyze real discourses, such as newspaper articles or political speeches, and identify the argumentative operators used. They should also reflect on the effect these operators have on persuading the public and structuring the discourse.