Focus (linguistics)
In generative linguistics, focus determines which part of the sentence contributes new or non-derivable information. Focus is related to information structure. Contrastive focus specifically refers to the coding of information that is contrary to the presuppositions of the interlocutor.
Related terms include Comment and Rheme.
Read more about Focus (linguistics): Generative Approaches
Famous quotes containing the word focus:
“If we focus mostly on how we might have been partly or wholly to blame for what might have been less than a perfect, problem- free childhood, our guilt will overwhelm their pain. It becomes a story about us, not them. . . . When we listen, accept, and acknowledge, we feel regret instead, which is simply guilt without neurosis.”
—Jane Adams (20th century)