Stylistic context:

- may be based on the similarity of equivalent words or their contrast;

- is very often based on the converenge; converenge denotes an accumulation at a given point of the text or several stylistic devices; each device adds its expressivity (e.g. and heaved, and heaved, still unrestingly heaved the black sea, as if its vast tides were a conscience. – simile, repetition, inversion and polysyndation).

Stylistic context – unity of stylistic element and its surroundings.

Linguistic context – the encirclement of a language unit by other language units in speech.

Types of linguistic context:

Microcontext is the context of a single utterance (sentence).

Macrocontext is the context of a paragraph in a text.

Megacontext is the context of a book chapter, a story or the whole book.

Stylistic context – unity of stylistic element and its surroundings.

Micropoetic – the context limited by a complete sentence.

Macropoetic – the context of paragraph or the whole text.

An extralingual (situational) context is formed by extralingual conditions in which communication takes place. A situational context allows the speaker to economize on speech efforts and to avoid situationally redundant language signs.

Extralingual context:

- physical

- abstract (e.g. A dialogue between colleagues can be affected by the nature of their relationship. That is, one may be of higher status than the other.)

- temporal (chronological)

- psychological

Convergence often occurs in what is called the "strong position". The term is self-explanatory if we take into consideration that the position of an element in the text is of importance in bringing the logic or the beauty of what is said to the reader's attention. The elements may be made prominent by the fact that they stand out most effectively in the title, in the first line, or in the closure of the text.

Вопрос 32.

Denotational meaning and connotations; types of connotations.

Denotation is the strict dictionary definition of that word and refers to the actual thing or idea it represents.

In literary works, we find it a common practice with writers to deviate from the dictionary meanings of words to create fresher ideas and images. Such deviations from the literal meanings are referred to as “figurative language,” or “literary devices,” e.g. metaphors, similes, personifications, hyperboles, understatements, paradoxes, and puns. Even in our daily conversation, we diverge from the dictionary meanings of words, preferring connotative or associated meanings of words in order to accurately convey our message.

Below is a list of some common deviations from denotative meanings of words that we experience in our day-to-day life:

Mom and Dad – when used instead of “mother and father” suggest loving parents.

Home – suggests family, comfort, and security.

Connotation is the emotional or psychological associations a word carries with it. It goes beyond its strict meaning to express the feelings, thoughts, and images the word suggests or evokes.

Several types of connotation can influence the way you think about a word, which are as follows:

• Positive (favorable) connotation—Words that make people feel good

• Negative (unfavorable) connotation—Words that provoke a negative emotional response

• Neutral connotation—Words that cause no emotional reaction at all

Most journalistic writing uses favorable connotations for the sake of political correctness and to avoid alienating readers. Scientific or technical documents typically use a neutral connotation. Politically motivated writing normally uses highly charged connotations, both favorable and unfavorable, to achieve the desired impact.

Вопрос 33.