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:
“No other group in America has so had their identity socialized out of existence as have black women.... When black people are talked about the focus tends to be on black men; and when women are talked about the focus tends to be on white women.”
—bell hooks (b. c. 1955)