ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the ambiguity, which has so long embarrassed linguists and psycholinguists concerning the use of the word 'paragraph', may be due to the fact that this term refers to different concepts according to whether writers' or readers' perspectives are being considered. It distinguishes paragraphs from information blocks. The chapter shows that studying both sides of the written communication process in an integrated manner may lead to different interpretations for text organization as opposed to focusing on only one side of this process at a time. It presents an overview of the written communication process that will serve as a framework for more specific points. The chapter reviews some findings about paragraph structure and functions, and argues in favor of integrated studies, that is, examining text organization from both the writer's and the reader's perspective. It examines the status and the role of paragraphing in the written communication process.
