A commentary is an opinion-based and journalistic text, which also includes the collection of comments on a literary text under this term, as well as a personal comment on any subject. These uses are explained below, with the focus on the journalistic text. This often refers to a current event and is a personal statement of the author. A special form is the column.
Term
The term is derived from the Latin (commentarius) and can be translated with notes, diaries or memorabilia. Thus, the heading reveals what is at stake: the recording of one’s own thoughts on any subject. As a result, the Romans used the word originally as a notebook or writing book (Greek Hypomnema).
Note: The following is a description of the structure and characteristics of the journalistic commentary and the subsequent meanings of the term, focusing on the commentary as a commentary on a literary work.
Characteristics and structure of the comment
Within the journalistic texts, the commentary on the texts which are accentuated in the text is similar to that of the gloss. The comment divides itself mainly into the special forms editorial and column. The leading article is usually found on the title page and is a particularly featured article and is usually placed next to the most important news of a newspaper.
The editorial, however, always reflects the opinion of an editor, usually the chief editor, and is not just an actual news, but certainly a matter of opinion. Everything that has a message value can be the content of such a comment. It is important, however, that the topic provokes an expression of opinion and a public interest in the topic, whereby the comment should change the angle of view.
Characteristics of journalistic texts
Since the commentary is an opinion-driven text, the view, perspective and opinion of the respective editor is, of course, the focus. The subjective, personal opinion on the facts is thus the core statement of the text.
In most cases, all relevant information of the subject is briefly torn and analyzed by the author. Subsequently, there is usually an opinion and evaluation of the respective topic, which explain the further consequences.
Often, he is characterized by a rash headline and a distinctive subtitle, which is intended to encourage the reader to read the text.
The essence of the text is predominantly characterized by stylistic irony, sarcasm, polemic, humor, or a deliberately aggressive language style. These can influence the reader decisively, which is underlined by appropriate, adjectives matching the content.
Comments are made by Parataxes. This means that the sentences are not very long. This can reinforce the statement and, above all, ensure that the ideas remain comprehensible to every reader.
The commentator’s own opinion is often strengthened by the fact that his own individual opinion is formulated as if many people divide it, whereby it is certainly elevated to the spirit of the times (Zeitgeist ~ Denkenweise eines Zeitalter).
The reader should mostly identify with the opinion of the commentary. For this reason complex situations are often presented and generalized for the respective readership, with complex theories usually remaining on the line.
Building a comment
The headline is short and concise, often harsh and intended to encourage the reader to read.
Thesis to build contact with the reader. The more resistance the reader is expected, the more effective it is.
Summary of the message or issue to which the comment relates. For this, only a few lines are required, but these are important to bring the reader into the topic.
Argumentation of the author for his point of view. It clarifies the position of the editor.
Resolving opponent arguments, if necessary → Argument types.
In conclusion, the initial thesis is taken up and the consequences, demands or reminders resulting from the argument are presented.
The name of the commentator is always at the end of the article.
Note: Of course, not all features need to apply to the comments of the country’s newspapers. However, the above structure certainly shows a pattern structure, which is why most of the details should be found in newspaper commentaries, although they can vary slightly.
Difference: comment, gloss, column and message
The journalistic texts are usually very difficult to distinguish. This is in b