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Title "Schema Alteration During Text-World Building: A Cognitive Linguistic Study of Contrastive Perspectives on Aurat March"

Author(s) Qurat ul Ain

Abstract This research investigates the interplay between Text World Theory, Schema Theory, and readers' schema alteration in the context of contrasting discourses on Aurat March in Pakistani media, particularly online blogs. Text World Theory posits that discourse comprehension involves constructing mental representations guided by textual clues, while Schema Theory suggests that existing knowledge influences the interpretation of new information. The study aims to explore how readers' schemas are triggered, modified, or reconstructed during the text world building process, focusing on the divergent perspectives presented in the discourse on Aurat March. This interpretive study follows phenomenological research design and makes a qualitative analysis of the four selected blogs and twenty reader responses collected on the blogs by weaving together the frameworks of Text World Theory and Schema Theory to illuminate the interplay between text construction and reader interpretation. The study reveals several key findings: firstly, readers with more prior knowledge on Aurat March tend to possess stronger schemas, resulting in minimal alteration during text world building. Secondly, schema alteration primarily occurs through the addition of new information, either modifying existing schemas or forming entirely new ones, particularly among readers with limited prior knowledge. Additionally, personality differences significantly influence schema alteration, with rigid thinkers often questioning their beliefs but requiring further confirmation before making changes, while flexible thinkers are more open to interpretation. Moreover, the study underscores the impact of readers' previous knowledge on their perception of text, highlighting the dynamic nature of schema alteration as readers integrate new information and adapt their existing schemas accordingly. Underscoring the need for further exploration in cognitive linguistics and related disciplines, the study suggests implications for fields such as literature, journalism, psychology, and education, emphasizing the importance of considering readers' cognitive experiences in text interpretation.

Type Thesis/Dissertation

Faculty Languages

Department English

Language English

Publication Date 2024-08-27

Subject Linguistics

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