scholarly journals Rhetorical Devices as Multimodal Conceptual Blends in Brene Brown’s 99U Conference Talk (2013)

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Nahla Nadeem
Keyword(s):  
Complex Network ◽  
Frame Analysis ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Conceptual Blending ◽  
Framing Analysis ◽  
Conceptual Integration ◽  
Rhetorical Devices ◽  
Space Network ◽  
Multimodal Representations ◽  
Mental Space

The present study examines the rhetorical devices used by Brené Brown in a 99U conference Talk (2013) in order to engage and persuade the audience that vulnerability is the seed of creativity and therefore, should be embraced as a stepping-stone to success. The study mainly explores the role conceptual blending theory plays in the exploitation of multimodal rhetorical devices, which include an inspirational quote, analogies and metaphors (both verbal and visual) and how they form a ‘mega-blend’ and a complex network of conceptual integration. The study also applies the conceptual blending model and the discursive process of framing in the analysis as crucial for the meaning construal of these multimodal rhetorical blends. The blending-framing analysis showed that these diverse rhetorical devices often require a complex multi-frame analysis and a larger mental space network of mappings to derive the intended message and achieve the intended rhetorical effect on the audience. The analysis also showed that the blending-framing model provided a unified theoretical framework that could examine the discursive function and multimodal representations of diverse rhetorical devices in edutainment events.

scholarly journals Conceptual integration theory and British humour: an analysis of the sitcom Miranda

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Jabłońska-Hood
Keyword(s):  
Language Use ◽  
Meaning Construction ◽  
Integration Theory ◽  
Conceptual Blending ◽  
Conceptual Integration ◽  
Mental Space ◽  
Mental Spaces ◽  
Emergent Structure ◽  
Conceptual Integration Theory ◽  
Different Levels

Conceptual integration theory (henceforth CIT), aka conceptual blending, was devised by Fauconnier and Turner (2002) as a model for meaning construction and interpretation. It is based on the notion of a mental space, which originated in Fauconnier's early research (1998). Mental spaces are structures that constitute information pertaining to a particular concept (Fauconnier and Turner 2002: 40). Interestingly, mental spaces can be linked together and blended so as to produce a novel quality not previously present. In this manner, conceptual integration serves the purpose of a theoretical model which throws light on creativity in language use. In my paper, I will apply CIT to British humour in order to use its multiway blending together with its dynamic, online running of the blended contents for the purpose of comedy elucidation. It is crucial to observe that British humour is a complex phenomenon which pertains to many different levels of interpretation, i.e. a linguistic, cultural or a discourse one. CIT possesses a well suited cognitive apparatus which can encompass the complexity of British humour with all its layers. The primary goal of the article is to analyse a selected scene from a sitcom entitled Miranda in order to show the validity of the theory in respect of humour studies. In particular, I will undertake to demonstrate that CIT, with a special emphasis on its principles such as compression and the emergent structure of the blend can deal with many processes that accumulate within British humour and result in laughter. Simultaneously, I will try to demonstrate that frame-shifting, as proposed by Coulson (2015: pp. 167-190), can be of help to CIT in humour explanation.

Thinking Through Monuments: Levantine Monuments as Technologies of Community-Scale Motivated Social Cognition

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Timothy Hogue
Keyword(s):  
Social Cognition ◽  
Iron Age ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Test Case ◽  
Conceptual Blending ◽  
Scientific Model ◽  
Conceptual Integration ◽  
Iron Age Levant ◽  
Relational Qualities ◽  
Motivated Social Cognition

This study proposes that monuments are technologies through which communities think. I draw on conceptual blending theory as articulated by Mark Turner and Gilles Fauconnier to argue that monuments are material anchors for conceptual integration networks. The network model highlights that monuments are embedded in specific spatial and socio-historical contexts while also emphasizing that they function relationally by engaging the imaginations of communities. An enactivist understanding of these networks helps to explain the generative power of monuments as well as how they can become dynamic and polysemic. By proposing a cognitive scientific model for such relational qualities, this approach also has the advantage of making them more easily quantifiable. I present a test case of monumental installations from the Iron Age Levant (the ceremonial plaza of Karkamiš) to develop this approach and demonstrate its explanatory power. I contend that the theory and methods introduced here can make future accounts of monuments more precise while also opening up new avenues of research into monuments as a technology of motivated social cognition that is enacted on a community-scale.

Implied narratives of medical practice in learning-for-doing texts: a simulation semantics approach to rhetorical analysis

2005 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 295-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd Oakley
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Linguistics ◽  
Rhetorical Analysis ◽  
Meaning Construction ◽  
Linguistic Meaning ◽  
Conceptual Blending ◽  
Semantic Approach ◽  
Conceptual Integration ◽  
Print Advertisements ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Simulation Semantics

The functional interdependence of word, image, narration, and reason is recognized as a fundamental condition of modern-day persuasion, yet a substantial gap still exists in our understanding of how static textual elements interact to generate dynamic, persuasive narratives. This article attempts to narrow that gap in understanding through the development of a simulation semantics approach to rhetorical analysis as applied to print advertisements in medical journals. Located within the broader field of cognitive linguistics, simulation semantics is a theory of linguistic meaning based on the hypothesis that language users run mental simulations of perceptual and motor content of experiences which distribute inferences from these simulations during language comprehension and production. Using the perspectives and methods of conceptual blending, a programmatic model of meaning construction developed by Fauconnier and Turner (2002) and elaborated by many associates (e.g. Brandt and Brandt, 2002; Coulson and Oakley, 2000), the article attempts to show how a simulation semantic approach can lead to cognitively plausible explanations of how persuasion works in a genre of print advertisements aimed at physicians and medical practitioners I call learning-for-doing. In addition, I seek to further refine conceptual blending theory as an interpretive framework by arguing for the need to incorporate the notion of a grounding space as well as the need to distinguish between conceptual blending and conceptual integration.

CONCEPTUAL BLENDING IN METAPHORS IN THE 2016 PRE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 281-285
Author(s):  
Alzira Akhsianovna Minikeeva ◽  
Aida Gumerovna Sadykova ◽  
Edward Lazzerini
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Analysis ◽  
Conceptual Models ◽  
Social World ◽  
The Other ◽  
Election Campaign ◽  
Conceptual Blending ◽  
Donald Trump ◽  
Conceptual Integration ◽  
The Social ◽  
Teachers And Students

Purpose: The article examines metaphor as transferring features of the social world onto the other elements of reality, the 2016 pre-election campaign in particular; the theory of conceptual integration of J. Fauconnier and M. Turner is used to analyzing the metaphor. Methodology: As a material of the research, there were examined transcripts of the 2016 pre-election campaign debates for the presidential position of Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton. Result: The analysis reveals convergent and divergent features of metaphor in the pre-election campaign of Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton. Metaphor in D. Trump’s texts tends to focus on conceptual models ‘we’ and ‘they’ which is deduced with the help of quantitative analysis whereas in H. Clinton’s texts ‘divided nation’ model is mostly described through metaphor. Applications: This research can be used for universities, teachers, and students. Novelty/Originality: In this research, the model of Conceptual Blending in Metaphors in the 2016 Pre-Election Campaign is presented in a comprehensive and complete manner.

Swift-boating in Antiquity: Rhetorical Framing of the Good Citizen in Fourth-Century Athens

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brad L. Cook
Keyword(s):  
Frame Analysis ◽  
Fourth Century ◽  
Framing Analysis ◽  
Rhetorical Strategy ◽  
Good Citizen ◽  
Cognitive Linguistic ◽  
Political Concept

This paper applies cognitive linguistic frame analysis to three long speeches from fourth-century Athens. It examines how Aeschines constructs and successfully deploys the socio-political concept or frame of the good citizen against Timarchus in 346/5 B.C. and then in a more elaborate form against Demosthenes in 330 B.C. and how Demosthenes wins the case by redefining the frame through metaphor-based reframing of the good, steadfast citizen. This framing analysis reveals Aeschines' overall rhetorical strategy and facilitates rhetorical assessment of the two crown speeches through a comprehensive, socio-politically integrated perspective.

scholarly journals Cognitive Motivation for Unaccusative Verbs with Objects in Existential Construction in Chinese

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 876
Author(s):  
Haiying Wu ◽  
Ye Liang ◽  
Liling Tian
Keyword(s):  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Conceptual Blending ◽  
Grammatical Structure ◽  
Conceptual Integration ◽  
Cognitive Motivation ◽  
Unaccusative Verbs ◽  
Existential Sentences ◽  
Existential Construction ◽  
Linguistic Phenomenon

This study applies conceptual blending and grammatical blending to analyze the meaning and structure construction of the NP1+Vi+NP2 construction in existential construction in Chinese. We found that the NP1+Vi+NP2 construction in existential sentences is the result of conceptual integration and grammatical blending of two subevents with basic grammatical structure of NP1+Vt+NP2 and NP2+Vi respectively. By discussing process of semantic construction and syntactic realization, we derive that the structure of existential sentences is integrated by the input spaces of "the existing object exists (or lies on some status)" and "somewhere exists something". It can concludes that the emergent meaning is "somewhere exists the existing object lying on some status" through analyzing the blending characters. This proves that conceptual integration and grammatical blending theories are animate and have mighty explanatory power in this specific linguistic phenomenon.

scholarly journals Compressions in Ironic Headlines Referring to Politicians of the USA and Lithuania

Verbum ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 86-94
Author(s):  
Dovilė Vengalienė
Keyword(s):  
Online News ◽  
Conceptual Blending ◽  
Scientific Model ◽  
Conceptual Integration ◽  
News Discourse ◽  
Time Space ◽  
News Websites ◽  
Human Understanding ◽  
The Usa ◽  
News Headlines

In the article the scientific model of conceptual blending (developed by Mark Turner and Gilles Fauconnier) is applied to the analysis of ironic headlines. It is argued that irony’s ability to make use of this mechanism partially accounts for the use of ironic references in news discourse. Irony is used as a means to reveal the compressions created via blending. An ironist employs the rules of blending to present a variety of eye-catching and brief headlines that contain compressions of Time, Space, Part-Whole, Role-Value, Intentionality, and Analogy/Disanalogy that are compressed into Uniqueness. The multiple compressions of an ironic reference do not only enable the ironist to communicate complex ideas and implications at the scale of human understanding but also facilitate the economy of space (i.e. the complex conceptual integration networks operate in a way that brings elements from a variety of mental input spaces into one blend). An overview of the Vital Relations and their compressions is supported by a number of ironic news headlines collected from popular Lithuanian and American online news websites.

scholarly journals Quasi-synonymy of Danish causal conjunctions from the speaker’s perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-60
Author(s):  
Dina Nikulicheva ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Correlation ◽  
Conceptual Blending ◽  
Linguistic Expression ◽  
Oral Speech ◽  
Objective Fact ◽  
Mental Space ◽  
Different Sources

The article explores a fragment of the grammatical system of the Danish language, which represents a regular formal variation of auxiliary language markers — causal conjunctions fordi, for, eftersom, thi. The functional and pragmatic description of each of them is proposed based on the anthropocentric approach. This approach is aimed at studying the linguistic expression of the speaker’s orientation in denotative reality and communication. In terms of expressing causation, this presupposes differentiation of ways to substantiate the speaker’s assertion, depending on different sources of causation: the speaker’s own inference (for); appeal to knowledge, common to all participants in communication (thi); justifying one objective fact with another (fordi), justifying the speaker’s own inference with an objective fact (eftersom). The etymology of conjunctions, as well as the temporal correlation of the predicates in causal and main clauses, allows us to determine the reasons for the speaker to organize the mental space of causation in different ways. In addition, the use of the conceptual blending concept allows us to explain why one conjunction is replaced by another in oral speech.

scholarly journals Compounds and culture

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 257-274
Author(s):  
Tore Nesset ◽  
Svetlana Sokolova
Keyword(s):  
Formation Mechanism ◽  
Word Formation ◽  
Slavic Language ◽  
Conceptual Blending ◽  
Conceptual Integration ◽  
Language System ◽  
Emergent Structure

Abstract This study explores compounds from the perspective of conceptual blending (conceptual integration), and argues that the meaning of compounds arises through the interaction of three levels: (i) input spaces established for the head and non-head components, (ii) a blended space involving compression and emergent structure, i.e. elements not imported from the input spaces, and (iii) the language system as a whole and the culture this system is part of. With regard to (iii) we propose the “Culture-to-Compound Hypothesis”, according to which compounding can be recruited to represent culturally “novel” content in languages where compounding enjoys a peripheral status in the language system. The examples discussed in the article come from Norwegian (a Germanic language where compounding is a central word-formation mechanism) and Russian (a Slavic language where compounding is more marginal in the language system).

scholarly journals Dismemberment of Kathleen’s Psyche in Joyce Carol Oates’s 'The Rise of Life on Earth'

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-244
Author(s):  
Kulamangalam Thiagarajan Tamilmani ◽  
Rathinasamy Nagalakshmi
Keyword(s):  
Literary Texts ◽  
Joyce Carol Oates ◽  
Conceptual Integration ◽  
Textual Space ◽  
Mental Space ◽  
Mental Spaces ◽  
Life On Earth

Postmodern literary texts have been exploring characters that are whimsically strange. The tacit plots in the postmodern textual space enable the writers to construct and manifest the mental space of the characters in the textual world. The Rise of Life on Earth written by Joyce Carol Oates concocts the emotional estrangement of the protagonist, Kathleen Hennessy. Decrypting the text amplifies the unabating efforts of Kathleen to survive in a world that has been portrayed as a larger, repressive and pernicious family. Her masquerade to be a shy, passive and well-behaved girl hides the menacing vengeance that has culminated as a result of abuses and afflictions. Her mental spaces are constructed during the course of narration. This paper purports to scrutinize the fragmented psyche of Kathleen and the conceptual integration of mental space and textual space that replicates both social and individualistic reality and expands the understanding of Oates’ text.

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