’n Tekslingulstlese anallse van die gebruik van en

Abstract

A text-linguistic analysis of the use of the Afrikaans conjunction en (Englisti: and)
The occurrence of the Afrikaans subordinating conjunction en is investigated as conjunction marker, discourse marker and structure marker, as well as its role with regard to cohesion and coherence. This analysis of the functional occurrences of the subordinating conjunction is conducted within the context of the narrative “Oorlidde Pa en die by” (Spies, 1994:29). The narrative consists of a primary narrative in which a secondary narrative is embedded. The secondary narrative is related by one of the characters in the primary narration It has been established that the use of en, in this narrative, occurs according to a definite discourse plan. As a discourse marker en is used in a discourse organisational connection. The use of en is more frequent in the recounting of the events in the secondary narrative. Its use is less obvious where the narrator is recounting the primary narrative. With regard to the structuring of the narrative en is used functionally. In the section of plot development where the actions follow rapidly on each other, en occurs more frequently than in the other sections, for example in the orientation and coda. The frequent use of en lends a firm cohesive structure and results in rapid progression with regard to action in this narrative. The absence or presence of en also serves to indicate emphasis. In the narrative which was investigated, the use of the subordinating conjunction en plays an important role in creating cohesion and coherence in the text.