The Cognitive Approach To The Problem Of Comprehension In Dialogical Discourse

Abstract

The article discusses the problems of comprehension in dialogical discourse from the perspective of modern linguistics. The study is based on the anthropocentric theory of language and the interpretive function of the language, which in combination with cognitive and communicative functions explains the dynamics of speech interaction, the processes of comprehension in dialogue, the change in the individual worldview of communicants - their knowledge, ideas, opinions at all stages of communication. The interpretive function of the language deals with cognitive mechanisms and language tools for successful comprehension and persuasion in the dialogue. The combination of three language functions in the study of language interaction determines the integrity of the research based on the conceptual interaction of various levels. The integration of the knowledge of the speaker (the producer of the discourse) and the interlocutor (the interpreter of the discourse) at all levels ensures cooperation in communication and reveals the interdependence of the shared knowledge of communicants. Violation of the integrity of communication leads to communicative errors and failures. The multidimensional nature of discursive activity presupposes the “matrix” format of its structure, which comprises all the conceptual structures involved in generating and comprehending discourse. Comprehension can be achieved if the speaker’s language behavior and that of the interlocutor correlate, i.e. one of the prerequisites for cooperativeness in dialogue is the conceptual match at linguistic, thematic, sociocultural and other levels. Cognitive dissonance in terms of structure or content leads to misunderstanding in the dialogical discourse.