Metatextual indicators of reflection subject in encyclicals written by John Paul II

Abstract

The main aim of this article is a functional and semantical analysis of metatextual formulas introducing subject in encyclicals of John Paul II. The autor deems metatext a category of text characterized by a strongly pragmatic mark; it is an additional part of the text, functioning in paralel to the object text, informing about the way in which the main text is organized, or representing a specific commentary to the content of the latter The analysis shows that covered by the survey documents of the Church contain a variety of metatextual constructions, differing formally, introducing subject of statements. The objective of the reflections (main or partial) is introducing by: – solemn arenga; – specific for encyclicals initial sentences; – formally different first person constructions, often emotional and direct; – modal formulas; – evaluative formulas; – participle formulas; – direct and indirect questions.