Semantic Redundancy

The term semantic redundancy refers to the density of information within a text. A text may become incomprehensible in the case that too much complex information is presented at once (e.g. within a long convoluted sentence). However, it may become incomprehensible as well in the case that the same information is repeated too frequently without providing any new insights for the reader during reading.

Emphasizing core messages

One way for emphasizing core messages consists on the repetition of important definitions and explanations. However, doing this, you should observe frequency, purpose and placement. Thus, this makes particularly sense at the beginning or for finishing one line of thought (e.g. in kind of an independent text section). By the selection of concise subheadings, important terms or information emerging in the respective section are becoming more predictable and thus more memorable as well.

This apparent double provision of information facilitates it for the reader to get the core messages of the respective sections.

Re-reference to research question

The most important information, which should be repeated at least at the beginning and at the end of a text, is the research question. It is the crux of the matter, the starting and endpoint to which the other information of the text refers and provides the frame for the understanding of all information of the text.

The text remains entertaining and interesting in the case that the redundant information is provided by the concise repetition of the prior messages in other words.

In case of doubt, it is recommendable here as well to ask another person to read on trial in order to find out whether the semantic redundancy of the text should be increased or decreased.