Abstract
FORMS IN A TEXT : A STATISTICAL STUDY OF POSITION Stating frequencies ignores the fact that the occurrences in a text form and ordered string. To enable the ordered nature of a text to be taken into account and to perceive another aspect of how words function, the usual frequential viewpoint is replaced by a sequential one. The statistical model presented here is suitable for studying the positions of each graphic form in the text. It permits a contrast between cluster forms, i.e. closely grouped occurrences and « regular » forms, i.e. evenly distributed occurrences. Research into four General Resolutions of two trade unions has shown that most of the great number of cluster forms are likely to be the most frequent themes in the text (or to be pronouns), while the fewer « regular » forms are generally functional words which by themselves convey little meaning. This study supplements frequency measures and contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between forms and text.