Discourse Studies

Our research focuses on textual communication: the exchange of coherent language utterances that are prototypically written and in which there is deferred interaction between writer and reader. Texts and processes of text production and comprehension form the central object.

We aim to develop theories, methods and tools for the analysis and optimization of texts. Particular attention is paid to genres such as speeches, news reports, information and advice texts. The linguistic aspects of texts are central here: we study the characteristics, choice and effects of formulations in relation to the communicative goals of texts. Our group also works on the development of theories and methods and tools for the analysis and optimization of processes of text production and comprehension. This work is mainly concerned with writing instruction and instruction in reading comprehension in primary, secondary and higher education.

We collaborate closely with colleagues from other chair groups in the department and the faculty, with researchers elsewhere in the Netherlands and abroad, and with institutions that develop school curricula and educational materials.