Information Structure

Definition

Information structure refers to the way in which information is organized and conveyed in a sentence or discourse, particularly focusing on the distinction between what is known (given information) and what is new or unfamiliar to the listener (new information). This concept helps in understanding how speakers manage the flow of information, facilitating comprehension and ensuring effective communication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In spoken and written language, speakers often present given information first, followed by new information to help listeners build understanding.
2. The distinction between given and new information influences sentence structure, often leading to different syntactic constructions based on what needs emphasis.
3. Context plays a crucial role in determining what is considered given or new information, as prior knowledge and shared experiences affect comprehension.
4. Effective communication relies on managing information structure, allowing speakers to guide listeners' attention to relevant details.
5. In discourse analysis, understanding information structure aids in analyzing how speakers structure their messages to maximize clarity and engagement.

Review Questions

• How does the organization of given and new information affect the clarity of communication?
  • The organization of given and new information significantly impacts clarity by establishing a framework for understanding. When speakers present known information first, it sets a context for the listener, making it easier to grasp new concepts. This clear structure helps prevent confusion and ensures that listeners can follow the narrative or argument being made.
• Discuss how the context influences what is considered given versus new information in a conversation.
  • Context plays a vital role in shaping what is perceived as given or new information. Factors such as prior conversations, shared experiences, and cultural background all contribute to this perception. For example, if two people are discussing a mutual friend, details about that friend may be considered given information for both parties. However, if someone brings up an unfamiliar topic or person, that will be seen as new information needing further explanation.
• Evaluate the impact of effective management of information structure on discourse analysis.
  • Effective management of information structure greatly enhances discourse analysis by providing insights into how speakers convey meaning and prioritize information. Analyzing the organization of given and new information allows researchers to understand communication strategies used by speakers to engage listeners. This understanding also reveals how clarity is achieved through structured presentations, which can be essential in fields such as linguistics, psychology, and education where effective communication is crucial.

Related terms

Given Information: Information that the listener already knows or has been previously mentioned, often used as a reference point in communication.

New Information: Information that is being introduced for the first time in a conversation or text, which the listener has not previously encountered.

Focus: The part of a sentence that conveys the most important or salient information, often emphasizing new information in relation to given information.