YEREVAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Faculty of European Languages and Communication

English Philology Chair
English, Spanish and Communication

TEXTUAL AND CONTEXTUAL MEANING

SUBJECT: FUNDAMENTALS OF ENGLISH LEXICOLOGY AND STYLISTICS

COURSE: 3
GROUP: 1
STUDENT: ANAHIT PAHLEVANYAN
PROFESSOR: ALVARD JIVANYAN

Yerevan-2024
TEXTUAL AND CONTEXTUAL MEANING

To understand the dynamics of discourse creation and interpretation, it is crucial to analyze the two
distinct yet interconnected dimensions of meaning: textual and contextual. These dimensions
correspond to the intrinsic linguistic properties of a text and the extrinsic factors surrounding its use,
respectively. Together, they form the foundation for the fields of semantics and pragmatics.

1. Textual Meaning

Textual meaning emerges from the internal properties of the text itself. This includes its linguistic
features, such as:
• Sounds: The phonetic elements, rhythm, and intonation patterns.
• Typography: The visual representation of text, including font size, style, and spacing.
• Vocabulary: The choice of words and their specific meanings.
• Grammar: Sentence structure, tense, and syntactic rules.

These formal properties are studied under semantics, which examines meaning encoded within the
language independent of any external context. For example:
• In the sentence “The sun rises in the east,” the textual meaning derives from the lexical
definitions of “sun,” “rises,” and “east,” as well as the grammatical structure, which indicates a
factual statement.

However, textual meaning alone is often insufficient for a complete understanding. The role of
context becomes paramount in bridging the gap between linguistic forms and their interpreted
meanings.

2. Contextual Meaning

Contextual meaning arises from the interaction between textual elements and external factors. This
is the domain of pragmatics, which focuses on how language is used in specific contexts to achieve
communication goals. Pragmatic meaning is complementary to semantic meaning, as it depends on
the interplay between linguistic properties and context.

Types of Context

Context can be broadly divided into two categories:

1. Internal Context:
• Refers to the linguistic patterns within the text itself.
• Examples include cohesive devices (like pronouns, conjunctions, and ellipses) and coherence
(logical flow of ideas).
• For instance, in the sentence “John bought a book. He enjoyed it thoroughly,” the internal context
links “He” to “John” and “it” to “a book,” ensuring coherence.
2. External Context:
• Encompasses non-linguistic factors that influence meaning.
• Examples include:
 • Text Type or Genre: The conventions of a genre guide interpretation. For instance, a sentence in
a recipe like “Bake at 180°C for 30 minutes” would be interpreted differently than the same
sentence in a *mystery novel.
• Topic, Purpose, and Function: Consider the phrase “Please take a seat.” In a doctor’s office, it
serves as an instruction, whereas at a wedding, it might be a polite request.
• Physical Setting: The meaning of “It’s cold in here” may vary depending on whether the speaker
is in a conference room or a walk-in freezer.
• Social, Cultural, and Historical Context: Historical speeches often require knowledge of their
time to be fully understood. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, for example,
resonates deeply when placed in the context of the American Civil Rights Movement.
• Interpersonal Dynamics: The relationship between speaker and listener shapes meaning. A
phrase like “You’re late again!” might be interpreted differently if said by a boss versus a close
friend.

Interplay Between Textual and Contextual Meaning

The relationship between textual and contextual meaning is dynamic and reciprocal. Textual
meaning provides the foundation, while contextual meaning shapes how it is understood and used in
discourse.

Consider the following example:

• Sentence: “Can you pass the salt?”
• Textual Meaning: A question asking about the listener’s ability to pass the salt.
• Contextual Meaning: In a dining setting, it functions as a polite request rather than an inquiry
into capability.

This example highlights the importance of pragmatic inference, where listeners use context to
deduce the speaker’s intended meaning beyond the literal semantic content.

Contextual Components in Detail

Text Type or GenreThe genre sets expectations for the reader or listener. Examples include:
• Legal Texts: Precise, formal language to avoid ambiguity. Example: “The party of the first part
agrees to…”
• Advertisements: Persuasive and emotive language. Example: “Buy now and save 50%!”

Topic, Purpose, and Function

Understanding the topic and communicative purpose is vital. For instance:

• Topic: “Global warming is a pressing issue.”
• In a scientific journal, this might introduce evidence-based arguments.
• In a speech, it might lead to a call for action.

Physical and Temporal Setting

The time and place of discourse affect interpretation.

• Example: The phrase “Happy New Year!” is appropriate on January 1st but might seem odd in
July.
Social, Cultural, and Historical Setting

Cultural knowledge is essential for understanding certain texts.

• Example: “Breaking bread together” symbolizes unity in Western cultures, but this meaning may
not be universal.

Writer and Reader Attributes

The beliefs, emotions, and assumptions of the participants influence meaning.

• Example: A sarcastic comment like “Great job!” might be interpreted differently by someone
who knows the speaker well versus a stranger.

Inter-Textuality

Texts often draw meaning from their connections with other texts.
• Example: George Orwell’s 1984 might be interpreted more deeply by readers familiar with
dystopian literature or totalitarian regimes.

Practical Applications of Textual and Contextual Analysis

Literature:

Analyzing both textual and contextual meanings allows for a richer interpretation of literary works.
• Example: In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the line “To be or not to be” gains additional layers of
meaning when understood in the context of the play’s themes of existential dread and indecision.

Everyday Communication:

In daily life, effective communication often hinges on understanding both textual and contextual
elements. Misinterpretations arise when one aspect is overlooked.
• Example: A text message reading “Sure.” could be interpreted as enthusiastic agreement or
reluctant consent, depending on context.

Education:

Teaching language learners to recognize the interplay of semantics and pragmatics enhances their
communicative competence.

Challenges in Analyzing Contextual Meaning

The complexity of external context poses challenges:

• Context is often subjective and dynamic.
• Cultural differences may lead to misunderstandings.
• In digital communication, the absence of physical and vocal cues complicates pragmatic
inference.
Conclusion

In the realm of language and communication, the exploration of textual and contextual meaning
reveals the intricate and dynamic process through which we derive understanding from discourse.
Textual meaning provides the linguistic foundation, offering clarity and structure through
vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. Yet, it is the addition of contextual meaning—shaped by cultural,
social, historical, and situational factors—that allows language to transcend its literal boundaries
and resonate deeply with its audience.

The interplay between these two dimensions demonstrates that meaning is neither fixed nor
absolute but fluid and adaptive, depending on the relationships between text, context, speaker, and
listener. This interconnectedness underlines the importance of pragmatics, as it bridges the gap
between semantic meaning and practical communication. Through context, we interpret intentions,
infer subtleties, and adapt language to serve diverse purposes, whether in everyday interactions,
literary analysis, or professional communication.

Moreover, the complexity of external contexts highlights the richness of human expression and the
potential for misinterpretation when cultural or situational nuances are overlooked. This emphasizes
the value of developing an awareness of both textual and contextual factors, enabling us to navigate
communication effectively across varied settings.

Ultimately, the study of textual and contextual meaning enriches our understanding of language as a
tool for connection, creativity, and expression. It reminds us that while language provides the
structure, context infuses it with life, allowing us to communicate with depth, intention, and
purpose in an ever-changing world.