Abstract
This article deals with stylistic convergence study in the aspects of cognitive linguistics and lingua-synergetics. The object of the research is fraktal modelling of textual spaces of stylistic convergence. The purpose of the study is to consider fraktal modelling of the textual space of stylistic convergence as a cognitive process. Fraktal models demonstrate sense development in converged textual spaces under the influence of the semantic attractor. Those senses represent cognitive features of certain concepts actualized by stylistic devices. The purpose of the study has determined the research methods, including the method of stylistic study (in revealing stylistic devices in the process of visual perception); the hermeneutical study method (in interpreting senses actualized by stylistic devices); the method of cognitive analysis (to state sense relations in converged textual spaces and to define the structure-forming principles of interconnection, opposition, development); the method of fraktal modelling (to reveal and to define the configuration of semantic textual space). The fraktal models “spiral”, “letter X”/ “figure 8”, “enclosed 8 figures” demonstrating the sense development in the converged textual spaces are described in the work. The material of the research includes textual fragments of I. Stone’s works
Keywords: Cognitive mechanismsconceptfraktal modellingsemantic fractalsynergetic interactionstylistic convergence
Introduction
Lingua-synergetic approach to studying the textual structure is reflected in the works of Ponomarenko (2017), Plotnikova (2011), Olizko (2015), Sergodeev (2016), Kovalenko (2017a, 2017b, 2017c, 2018) and others. The research of the text in the aspect of lingua-synergetics shows that different combinations of language means reflect the variety of sense-forming processes in our mentality that are non-linear, in other words, verbal structures bear the non-linearity of cognitive structures due to the associations involved in a speech-making process. Non-linearity means the dependence of a system on both inner and outer processes. And it enables the system to generate new senses which are not confined to pure addition of the senses of its components (Ponomarenko, 2017, p. 248). Besides, the scientists state that sense development in textual structures follows the principal of fraktality. Fraktal is understood as a structure consisting of the parts being similar to some extent to the whole. According to the scientists, fractal modelling allows studying and describing many linguistic phenomena and nonlinear semantic structures with a great degree of visibility (Ponomarenko, 2017). A fraktal is a model of an internally developing entity, based on the formation of structures characterized by self-similarity. The dynamic symmetry, regulating the relations between order and chaos, is the basis of fractal structures organization (Olizko, 2015).
Problem Statement
In spite of great scientists’ interest in fraktals, the cognitive nature of fraktal modelling has not been studied enough. In this connection, it should be said that cognitive structures determine the functioning of language structures, grammar categories, styles and speech registers. Language as a cognitive mechanism provides an access to our mind (Boldyrev, 2016; Kolesov, 2017; Tichenko & Pastuchova, 2016; Yurovitskaya & Mitrofanova, 2017) and language structures are structures of thinking and our experience (Babenko & Babenko, 2019; Schulzhenko & Popovskaya, 2016). As a complex semiotic structure, the text inspires us to cognitive operations of its understanding and interpretation (Kremneva, 2017, p. 322). The subject of our study is the textual space of stylistic convergence, understood as a bunch of stylistic devices fulfilling the same stylistic function (Kovalenko, 2017b). In cognitive aspect, the senses represented by converged stylistic devices represent certain conceptual features. In lingua-synergetic aspect the semantic structure of the converged textual space is a fraktal structure with interrelated senses, actualized by stylistic devices (Kovalenko, 2017a). The sense interaction in the converged textual space can be visualized with the help of fraktal models (Kovalenko, 2017c). The aim of this article is to describe the cognitive aspects of fraktal modelling of sense interaction in the textual places of stylistic convergence.
Research Questions
The following stages of fraktal modelling of the semantic space of stylistic convergence have been singled out in our research: 1) revealing stylistic devices (as a result of visual perception of stylistic convergence); 2) interpretation of senses actualized by stylistic devices and determination of the dominant sense; 3) defining the system of sense relations in the converged textual space and structure-forming principles of interconnection, opposition, development (in other words, defining the means of synergetic interrelation of the constituents of the semantic structure); 4) taking the decision about the configuration of the semantic space and its graphic representation. Further, we shall deal with cognitive aspects of these stages of fraktal modelling in details.
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of the study is to consider cognitive aspects of fraktal modelling of the semantic textual space of stylistic convergence and to describe cognitive mechanisms and mental activities involved in the process.
Research Methods
The purpose of the study has determined the research methods, including the method of stylistic study (in revealing stylistic devices in the process of visual perception); the hermeneutical study method (in interpreting senses actualized by stylistic devices); the method of cognitive analysis (to state sense relations in converged textual spaces and to define the structure-forming principles of interconnection, opposition, development); the method of fraktal modelling (to reveal and to define the configuration of semantic textual space).
Findings
Transition from Visual to Semantic Space
The perception of the semantic space of the text at the very beginning is linear, then, in the process of reading, it is deformed and acquires a new measurement (Lukin, 2005, p. 224). The result of non-linearity is functional synergism (Ponomarenko, 2017, p. 248). Hence, it follows, that during fractal modelling the process of revealing synergetic interrelation of the constituents of the semantic structure of the converged textual space can be defined as transition from visual to semantic space, resulting in functional synergism. It should be stated that similar senses in the semantic space of stylistic convergence can be drawn to each other while opposite senses can be pushed off from each other. To demonstrate this we shall study the following example from I. Stone’s
The metaphor
Now we shall see another example to demonstrate sense interaction of contrast:
The image of Jack London is opposed to the image of his wife. Such opposition makes a contrast. In this case the senses represented by two antithesises
Perception of the textual space is impossible without image representation – the form of keeping information about visual images in our memory. The objects with which the sense development in the semantic fraktal actualized in the textual space of stylistic convergence is associated, serve as prototypes of fraktal models (in the first example such visual representation is a spiral, in the second context it can be the letter X or figure 8). So, we can say, that the graphic images of sense interaction in contexts (1) and (2), actualizing the concepts A MARRIED SAILOR (context 1) and AN INCONGRUOUS COUPLE (context 2), can be represented by fraktal models “spiral” (points to sense development) and “letter X” or “figure 8” (these models symbolize the balance of opposed parts).
The next context from I. Stone’s
The concept HE ALSO RAN is being actualized in this converged textual space. It tells us about S. Tieldon, who ran at the Presidential elections in 1876. The semantic fractal is formed by the senses objectified by two antithesises: (a)
The semantic space of the text is considered as something abstract, while its visual representation is a visual metaphor (Lukin, 2005, p. 226). Hence, it follows, that a fraktal model representing sense interaction in the textual space of stylistic convergence is a visual metaphor. In the cognitive aspect, a metaphor is a mental operation, the demonstration of the ability of a human thinking to make analogues, the result of generating and processing knowledge, when cognition plays the role of the processor (Babenko & Babenko, 2019). It proves that fraktal models are the result of the interpreter’s cognition.
Integrity in Fractal Modelling
Integrity means inner organic interrelation of the whole and its parts in the perceived image and this is explained by the idea of gestaltpsychology, the idea of “catching” the most characteristic features of objects which can represent the whole (Lakoff, 1981).
In the case of the textual space of stylistic convergence it is the semantic fractal that plays the role of “the whole”, while its constituents are senses actualized by stylistic devices. Here is an example from I. Stone’s
Stylistic convergence includes gradation
Mental Activities Involved
Many scientists point to close relations between the processes of perception and thinking (Boldyrev, 2016; Druzhinin, 2017; Kozlova, 2018). Arutyunova (1999) states, that mental operations in the process of perception include identification (which is based on comparison with an image and finding out common features and differences), interpretation (which takes place when it is necessary to state sign relations, a kind of “reading”) and implications (which are possible on the basis of causal, causative effect or other relationships) (p. 422). The specific feature of perception consists not only in its representation by language means but also by various peculiarities of their representation and functioning and it has always been the sphere of great interest for linguists of different schools.
One of the stages of fraktal modelling of semantic space of stylistic convergence consists of revealing synergetic sense interaction, which is an abstract notion, so it proves that fraktal modelling should be considered as a complex cognitive process. In text interpretation perception experience, motor representations, emotional experience, social background connected with the content of the text are activated. Hence, it follows that fraktal models being a kind of “visual metaphors”, reflect the conceptualization of mental entities according to the same way the objects of the reaality are perceived, inner implicit ties are being objectified under the influence of certain cognitive mechanisms, such as the mechanism of profiling (singling out structure-forming principle), the mechanism of topology (choosing an object with which the implicit sense ties are compared). When senses are organised according to the principle of opposition, the model “X shape” or “figure 8” is chosen, which is characterized by fan symmetry. When senses are organised according to the principal of development, the model “spiral” is constructed. Fraktal models represent the shape topology of the perceived object.
Interpreter’s Experience Activation
The process of perception is greatly determined by the comprehension experience as well as cultural and social factors (Furs, 2017; Ruzhentseva, 2019), it means that the perception of the converged textual spaces is a creative process, which can be compared to a perception of works of art and as such it is characterized by individual perception. Here we deal with experience activation. To demonstrate the role of perception experience activation of the interpreter in fraktal modelling we shall see the following example:
Here the text is about a person who gave much money to release D. Jefferson, the president of southern states beginning the Civil war in 1861-1865. Semantic fraktal
The interpreter who knows the meaning of sign X as a symbol of the unity of two opposing parts or the meaning of the sign 8 being divided into two counterbalanced parts, is sure to construct the fractal model “enclosed signs X” or ”enclosed figures 8” to represent sense interaction in the following context:
The stylistic convergence in the context includes two antithesises representing the hero as an idealist, a fighter both for war and for peace and at the same time as a person who is responsible for war and peace. There is a contrast of two opposing notions
Conclusion
Thus, the process of fractal modelling of the converged textual space includes procession from linear visual space to non-linear semantic space during its perception. Synergetic sense interaction in the converged textual space can be represented with the help of fraktal models. Such representation gives the idea of a complex meaningful whole as a concept actualized by converged stylistic devices. Fraktal modelling is a cognitive process involving a number of intellectual operations (understanding, solving problems, thinking and comprehension) and cognitive mechanisms of profiling and mechanism of topology. The perception experience of the interpreter is activated. Cognitive approach to fractal modelling ensures more adequate understanding of the textual structure in converged texts.
Acknowledgments
The work was done with the support of Russian Foundation for Basic Research (RFDR), the grant № 19-313-90035 (Gutik Tatyana Valeryevna).
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Cite this article as:
Gutik, T. V., & Kovalenko, G. F. (2020). Cognitive Aspects Of Fraktal Modelling. In N. L. Amiryanovna (Ed.), Word, Utterance, Text: Cognitive, Pragmatic and Cultural Aspects, vol 86. European Proceedings of Social and Behavioural Sciences (pp. 669-676). European Publisher. https://doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2020.08.79