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A Case Study of Cohesion

This study analyzes the grammatical and lexical cohesion in the lyrics of 'Disenchanted' by My Chemical Romance, utilizing Halliday and Hasan's theory of cohesion. The findings indicate that grammatical cohesion is more prevalent than lexical cohesion, enhancing the unity and meaning of the lyrics. The research offers valuable insights for educators and learners on the application of cohesion in discourse, particularly in song lyrics.

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7 views3 pages

A Case Study of Cohesion

This study analyzes the grammatical and lexical cohesion in the lyrics of 'Disenchanted' by My Chemical Romance, utilizing Halliday and Hasan's theory of cohesion. The findings indicate that grammatical cohesion is more prevalent than lexical cohesion, enhancing the unity and meaning of the lyrics. The research offers valuable insights for educators and learners on the application of cohesion in discourse, particularly in song lyrics.

Uploaded by

nrh.fadhillah
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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A Case Study of Cohesion: Grammatical and Lexical Patterns in the Lyrics

of 'Disenchanted' by My Chemical Romance

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the grammatical and lexical cohesion in the
lyrics of Disenchanted by My Chemical Romance. Employing Halliday and
Hasan’s theory of cohesion, the study identifies grammatical cohesion through
reference, substitution, ellipsis, and conjunction, and lexical cohesion through
reiteration and collocation. The findings reveal that grammatical cohesion
dominates over lexical cohesion in the lyrics. The use of cohesive devices
enhances the overall unity and meaning of the text, demonstrating the interplay
between linguistic elements to achieve cohesiveness. The results provide insights
for educators and learners on the practical application of cohesion in discourse,
particularly in song lyrics.

Keywords: Cohesion, grammatical cohesion, lexical cohesion, song lyrics,


discourse analysis.

1. INTRODUCTION

Language is a fundamental aspect of human communication, essential for


expressing emotions, sharing ideas, and transmitting messages. As Sapir (1921)
asserts, language is a purely human and non-instinctive method of communicating
ideas, emotions, and desires. In modern communication, understanding linguistic
structures, particularly grammatical patterns, is vital to ensuring clarity and
coherence. This is especially true for English, an international language widely
used in various domains, including education, business, and entertainment.
Mastering English requires not only fluency in vocabulary but also an
understanding of grammatical structures that enable effective communication.
Given its global significance, English is a critical subject of study,
particularly for non-native speakers. In Indonesia, for example, English is part of
the formal education curriculum, reflecting its importance in fostering
international connections. Understanding the cohesion of English texts is crucial,
as it involves linking ideas within a text to create unity and coherence.
Cohesion is a concept that highlights the interconnectedness of elements
within a text. Tanskanen (2006) defines cohesion as the linguistic means by which
discourse is connected and made comprehensible. According to Halliday and
Hasan (1976), cohesion in English comprises two main types: grammatical
cohesion and lexical cohesion. Grammatical cohesion involves devices such as
reference, substitution, ellipsis, and conjunction, while lexical cohesion is
achieved through reiteration and collocation. Both forms work together to ensure
that a text is not just a collection of unrelated sentences but a meaningful whole.
Grammatical cohesion, in particular, is integral to creating structure within
texts. It connects clauses and sentences through linguistic elements such as
pronouns, conjunctions, and omissions, which provide syntactic and semantic
links. Interestingly, grammatical cohesion can also be found in creative texts, such
as song lyrics, where its use contributes to the overall flow and impact of the
piece.
A song is a form of artistic expression combining melody and lyrics to
convey emotions and stories. Songs can be categorized into various genres, such
as rock, pop, classical, and jazz, each serving distinct purposes—from
entertainment to social commentary. The lyrics, a key component of songs, often
feature poetic devices and linguistic patterns that enhance their aesthetic and
emotional appeal.
This study focuses on the song Disenchanted by My Chemical Romance, a
track from their acclaimed album The Black Parade. The song’s lyrics reflect
themes of disillusionment and nostalgia, making it an intriguing subject for
cohesion analysis. Grammatical cohesion in the song is evident through the use of
references, conjunctions, and ellipses, while lexical cohesion is achieved through
repeated phrases and thematic word choices.
My Chemical Romance, an American rock band formed in 2001, gained
widespread recognition for their theatrical style and emotionally charged music.
The band’s lead vocalist, Gerard Way, is known for his poignant storytelling and
expressive lyrics. The Black Parade, released in 2006, is a concept album
exploring themes of life, death, and personal struggles. The album’s narrative
depth and cohesion make it a valuable source for linguistic analysis.
This research is significant for several reasons. First, it highlights the role of
cohesive devices in enhancing the unity and impact of song lyrics. Second, it
provides insights into how linguistic patterns contribute to the emotional and
thematic depth of creative texts. Lastly, the findings can inform educational
practices, particularly in teaching discourse analysis and enhancing students’
understanding of cohesion in English.

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