Schema theory in stylistics

Emmott, C. , Alexander, M. and Marszalek, A. (2023) Schema theory in stylistics. In: Burke, M. (ed.) The Routledge Handbook of Stylistics. Second Edition. Routledge: Abingdon, Oxon ; New York, NY, pp. 284-299. ISBN 9780367567491 (doi: 10.4324/9780367568887-20)

Abstract

This chapter outlines the background to schema theory in psychology and artificial intelligence and explains some of the key areas in which it has been used in stylistics and related disciplines, followed by a range of representative examples and an indication of directions for future research. It explores some of the core research applications of schema theory in these areas. A key use of schema theory in stylistics has been in studying mind style, which generally involves examining the style of the thought representations of characters who perceive the world differently from ordinary, modern-day adult humans. Schema theory has also been influential in second language teaching, where reading is viewed as the interaction between top-down socio-cultural schemata guiding reading and bottom-up signals from the text, and where varying schemata can explain misunderstandings by readers of different cultures.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Emmott, Dr Catherine and Alexander, Professor Marc
• Authors: Emmott, C., Alexander, M., and Marszalek, A.
• Subjects: P Language and Literature > PE English; P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General) > PN0080 Criticism; P Language and Literature > PR English literature
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies > English Language and Linguistics
• Publisher: Routledge
• ISBN: 9780367567491
• Published Online: 29 May 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The contributors
• First Published: First published in The Routledge Handbook of Stylistics. Second Edition: 284-299
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy