Motif of Sequence, Motif in Sequence

Abstract

Motif refers to ‘a dominant theme or central idea’ or ‘a usually recurring salient thematic element.’ Note the pairing—thematic and unifying in substance and recurring and salient in form. The point in the former is that there is a part that contains and connotes the theme more directly: Motif of sequence. In the latter is that there is a repeating pattern: Motif in sequence. Implied in both is the possibility of identifying a part that can effectively represent the whole. The question is how and, perhaps more importantly, why. Though limited, quite a few leads are found in various places (e.g., in music, in social network analysis, and in molecular biology). Despite the differences among them, the material they deal with are homologous in structural form, i.e., arrays of elements. And in all, sequences are seen as built from, with, and by blocks of elemental units that constitute a primordial substantively meaningful and functionally operative footing. The parallels between them make it possible to borrow widely with regard to analytical strategies. The prospects are reviewed and the issues involved in such endeavors are discussed. I conclude with an argument that the focus on motif may bridge the two takes on sequence analysis—one that sees it mainly as method and metaphor and the other that sees it more as theory and substance.