Verbal and Visual Parallelism

Written Communication Apr 2003

Jeanne Fahnestock University of Maryland, College Park

Abstract

This study investigates the practice of presenting multiple supporting examples in parallel form. The elements of parallelism and its use in argument were first illustrated by Aristotle. Although real texts may depart from the ideal form for presenting multiple examples, rhetorical theory offers a rationale for minimal, parallel presentation. The form for presenting data can also influence the way it is observed and selected, as the case of the Linnaean template for species grouping illustrates. Parallel presentation is not limited to verbal phrasing. Arranging data in tables, typical in scientific discourse, satisfies the same requirements for minimal, equivalent presentation of evidence. Arranging representational or iconic images in rows or arrays is yet another mode for the parallel presentation of evidence, although this mode has a recent history. A cognitive rationale can perhaps explain the use of parallelism to present multiple supporting examples.

Journal: Written Communication
Published: 2003-04-01
DOI: 10.1177/0741088303020002001
Open Access: Closed
Topics: rhetorical theory multimodality

Citation Context

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Cites in this index (0)

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