The word text can mean different spoken and written languages. In this guide different kinds of written texts are simply referred to as text. To put it simply, text is the final result of writing. A text consists of letters and words, but also of meanings and goals. Because different communication situations have different purposes, texts also have different purposes, and they can be viewed and examined from different perspectives. Texts are studied, for example, in the fields of literary studies, linguistics, sociology and theology.
Texts can be divided into different types, i.e., genres. Text types influence our everyday experience of language, they refer to a specific way of using language that is acceptable in a given situation and culture. Text types has evolved over time and have established practices. Different text types have different styles, structures, and vocabulary. As a concept, text types are by no means unambiguous.
Texts can be written according to their structure and style. The main types of text types are narrative, descriptive, directing, and argumentative. However, there can be different types of text in a text type: the boundaries of text types are not always clear. According to some, we are increasingly confronted with texts that contain a wide variety of text types.
Narrative text often contains a lot of different descriptions as well. Newspaper or magazine articles may include narrative and differentiating elements as well as descriptions of phenomena, the environment, and people.
Text types are networked
Text types do not set exact boundaries. Different types of text network with each other and new types of texts and text types are created. Changing communication situations in working life also create new text types. New text types are born between fiction and non-fiction.
Technology has given rise to new texts; text messaging and online language are creating new linguistic practices. Web chats combine written language and spoken language with various icons and abbreviations that describe an emotional state. As our society is strongly digitized, working life also shifts towards online environments. Many jobs today require ever-expanding textual skills. An expert is expected to have the ability to write a variety of texts. You must be able to write about your own field in various channels, such as a publication in your field, a blog text on a website or an insightful Instagram text.
During your studies, you will also practice writing new text types: exam answers, abstracts, portfolios, a lecture diary, reflective texts and theses are all examples of these. Some types of text are may be familiar to you from previous studies. However, you may also receive guidelines that include something new about their contents and appearance. At the UAS you practice producing a particular type of academic text. Text formatting issues such as text layout, margins, reference technique, and title layout are also part of a text type.
Writing is an evolving skill, and as a student you practice mastering the form and content of different text types. At the University of Applied Sciences, you will learn concepts, vocabulary and meaning of your own professional and scientific field. Reading and writing different types of text play an important role. When you practice composing knowledge by writing an essay, you are also practicing structuring text. These same skills are needed when working on a thesis. It's worthwhile to focus on the fact that a critical and argumentative way of reading and writing is required at the University of Applied Sciences at the very beginning of studies.
Academic writable and readable sources include three important areas. These are the characteristics of a scientific text: