The core discourse function of the phrase “above all” is to choose the most important or appropriate things or persons from a certain set of things or persons and mention them. Out of this core function arise four discourse functions: the functions of mentioning the most important element, of stating the most important proposition to enforce the preceding statement, of expressing a logically contrasting view with the most important or appropriate things as a central topic, and of summarizing what has been stated on a theme.
