英語の結束性と談話(C1レベル)

1. 結束性と談話の基本概念

結束性(Cohesion)とは、テキストの様々な部分を互いに結びつけ、意味的なつながりを作る言語的特徴のことです。談話(Discourse)は複数の文から成り立つより大きな言語単位で、結束性によって意味のある全体として機能します。

C1レベルでは、より洗練された方法でテキストに結束性を持たせる能力が求められます。

2. 高度な談話標識

2.1 譲歩を示す表現

譲歩とは、反対の事実や意見を認めながらも主張を続けることです。

主な表現:

  • nevertheless/nonetheless (それにもかかわらず) The evidence was incomplete. Nevertheless, the jury reached a verdict.

  • despite/in spite of this/that (それにもかかわらず) We faced numerous technical difficulties. Despite this, the project was completed on time.

  • albeit (ではあるが) He agreed to help, albeit reluctantly.

  • however much/no matter how (どれほど〜であろうとも) However much I tried to explain, she wouldn't understand my position.

  • granted (that) (確かに〜だが) Granted that the solution isn't perfect, it's still the best option available.

2.2 対比を示す表現

主な表現:

  • conversely/in contrast (反対に) Some species thrive in captivity. Conversely, others deteriorate rapidly.

  • on the one hand... on the other hand (一方で...他方で) On the one hand, the policy increases costs. On the other hand, it improves safety standards.

  • whereas/while (〜である一方で) The north of the country is mountainous, whereas the south is predominantly flat.

  • instead of/rather than (〜ではなく) Rather than accepting defeat, they decided to change their strategy.

2.3 例示や具体化を示す表現

主な表現:

  • to illustrate/as an illustration (例として) To illustrate this point, consider the case of Sweden's healthcare system.

  • for instance/a case in point (例えば/好例は) Many industries are being transformed by AI; a case in point is customer service.

  • namely (すなわち) Only three countries met the criteria, namely Finland, Norway, and Sweden.

  • such as/particularly (例えば/特に) Several factors affected the outcome, particularly the economic downturn.

2.4 原因・結果を示す高度な表現

主な表現:

  • consequently/as a consequence (その結果) The company failed to innovate. Consequently, it lost market share.

  • thus/hence (したがって) The sample size was too small; hence, the results cannot be generalized.

  • in view of/given that (〜を考慮すると) In view of recent developments, we need to reassess our strategy.

  • as a result of which (その結果として) The bridge collapsed, as a result of which traffic was diverted for months.

3. 代用と省略

3.1 代用(Substitution)

代用は、繰り返しを避けるために同じ語や句の代わりに別の語を使うことです。

名詞の代用:

  • one/ones I don't like this book. I'll choose another one.

  • do so/the same She volunteered for the project, and I did the same.

動詞の代用:

  • do/does/did He works harder than she does.

  • so "Will it rain tomorrow?" "I think so."

節の代用:

  • so/not "Is he coming?" "I believe so." "Did you finish the report?" "I'm afraid not."

3.2 省略(Ellipsis)

省略は、理解可能な場合に語や句を省くことです。

主語の省略:

  • [You] Put the documents on my desk.

助動詞の後の動詞の省略:

  • He can play the piano better than she can [play the piano].

to不定詞の省略:

  • I wanted to go to the concert but couldn't [go to the concert].

句の省略:

  • Some people enjoy classical music; others [enjoy] jazz.

4. 実践: テキストの結束性を高める方法

効果的な結束性のためのヒント:

  1. 適切な代名詞と指示語を使用する

    • The company launched a new product. It has been very successful.
  2. 談話標識を効果的に配置する

    • We need to reduce costs. However, we must not compromise on quality.
  3. テーマの一貫性を維持する

    • 各段落を明確なトピック文で始め、支持文で展開する
  4. 語彙的結束性を活用する

    • 類義語、上位語、下位語を使って多様性と結束性のバランスを取る
    • The researchers conducted an experiment. The scientists then analyzed the results.
  5. 情報の流れを管理する

    • 既知の情報から新情報へと進む
    • The theory has gained widespread acceptance. This acceptance has led to new research directions.

5. 練習問題

  1. 次の文に適切な談話標識を追加してください:

    • The treatment has several side effects. _______, most patients tolerate it well.
    • The data supports our hypothesis. _______, we need more evidence before drawing definitive conclusions.
  2. 次の文のペアを、代用または省略を使って一つの文に結合してください:

    • The red car is expensive. The blue car is expensive too.
    • She wanted to participate in the competition. She was not allowed to participate in the competition.
  3. 次の短いテキストの結束性を高めるために修正してください:

    • The company released new software. The software had bugs. Customers complained. The company fixed the bugs.