Date: Friday, 30 April 2010 11:21 am (UTC)
It's not surplus verbiage: like any additional words, it's there for a purpose. In this case it completely changes the register of the text from formal to informal. The "So..." or "Well..." is a mimicry of oral rather than written speech, and tries to create the impression that you're starting in the middle of a conversation or oral presentation. It's folksy, homey, chatty. In this particular post I suspect it's part of the semi-conscious toolbox of techniques I use to render academic analysis sufficiently accessible that my unfortunate readers don't run screaming into the night.

If you often start with it and then delete it, it suggests that you consciously try to elevate your discourse when you're writing. Which is interesting.
If you don't have an account you can create one now.
No Subject Icon Selected
More info about formatting

December 2024

S M T W T F S
1234567
891011121314
15 161718192021
22232425262728
293031    

Tags

Page generated Sunday, 17 August 2025 05:04 am
Powered by Dreamwidth Studios

Style Credit