Interpreting Texts in Various Discourses

Abstract

Within the communication-based approach, discourse is an area of meanings, which are formed through the interpretation of texts. Those meanings remain in our memory and are active as per communicational needs. The meanings forming a discourse constitute a particular basis for reference, i.e. its own logic. Therefore, one must learn how to participate in specific discourses. In considering the general purpose of communication and the special base of reference of meaning, we identified such discourses as: academic, official, journalistic, and artistic, which one could narrow down to more specific sub-discourses. The texts created within a discourse or sub-discourse may take both verbal and visual forms. Each discourse introduces different rules of interpretation, which a participant must learn. Discourses develop and exist within their own interpretative fields. Participation in a discourse both expands and improves its interpretative field. When a person does not participate in a discourse, they drop out of the discourse altogether. It is worth remembering that people possess various levels of the readiness to participate in specific discourses.

Keywords

• discourse
• interpretative field
• text interpretation