Graphic aspects of complex texts: Typography as macropunctuation

A case is made for the inclusion of graphic and spatial factors in the linguistic analysis of text, and in common rules and guidelines for clear writing. Some conceptual problems are considered and a parallel is drawn between the roles of punctuation and typography at the micro-and macro-levels of texts. The gradual codification of punctuation, from the original vernacular through an elocutionary or stylistic role to a well-specified syntactic role, is suggested as an indication of a direction for future typographic analysis.