An Exploration Of Discourse Coherence From The Perspective Of Relevance Theory

Discourse coherence is an important aspect of discourse analysis. Researchers in this field claim that cohesive devices are necessary for achieving coherence. With the further research on discourse analysis, it is admitted that cohesive devices cannot guarantee coherence and in some cases, coherence can be achieved without special devices. On the whole, research on discourse coherence has made great progress. However, there are still more questions than answers, which restrict further research in this area. So, in this thesis, the author tries to study the subject from a new angle, explore discourse coherence from the perspective of relevance theory and establish a multi-angled research mechanism.There are close relations between relevance and coherence. This thesis attempts to explore the cognitive and psychological aspect of coherence, with a view to enriching the study of discourse coherence, enhancing the ability of communication, constructing a better relation between relevance and coherence and giving some suggestions on solving those problems of the former studies in light of the relevance theory.There are 6 parts in this thesis.Introduction mainly deals with current research achievements in discourse coherence both at home and abroad and the objective of this thesis. Then the author introduces the main content, methodology and significance of this thesis and points out the necessity to explore discourse coherence from the perspective of relevance theory.Chapter one is about the review of basic concepts of discourse coherence and its relation with cohesion. In this part, the author introduces the nature and categories of coherence and lists some basic notions, which will be applied to the later parts.Chapter two gives a brief review of the former studies about coherence. In this part, the author introduces different theories or perspectives of former linguists and points out their shortcomings. Based on these studies, this thesis introduces a new approach--relevance theory approach, which is the content of the next chapter.Chapter three deals with a brief introduction of relevance theory, which is used as the theoretical basis of the whole thesis and discusses some notions of relevance theory such as optimal relevance and context.Chapter four is the application of relevance theory to the discourse coherence and is the core chapter, in which the author analyzes discourse coherence from the perspective of relevance theory with the help of former studies on it.Conclusion is the summary of the main points of the whole thesis. In the meantime, the author points out the necessity of further development in the study of discourse coherence in order to make it more enlightening.