Register, genre, and context: their differentiation and importance for the study of the Greek New Testament

Adams, S. (2007) Register, genre, and context: their differentiation and importance for the study of the Greek New Testament. In: SBL International Meeting, San Diego, CA, USA, 11-20 November 2007, (Unpublished)

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Abstract

The notion of context is widely used within biblical studies as a useful hermeneutical or exegetical tool. However, even though it is extensively cited, there is no concise definition. It is important, therefore, to provide a succinct differentiation between co-text and context, making it clear that co-text is the actual specific formal features of the text, whereas context is the unseen items that affect the author and the creation of the text. Context, furthermore, can be roughly divided in to two parts: context of culture and context of situation. In the same vein, there is much ambiguity in the study of the context of situation and the definition of register and genre, with these terms often being used synonymously. This, however, fails to realize the nuanced nature of register and its function within the development of a discourse. This paper will attempt to formalize the distinctions between register and genre and outline their relationship, namely, seeing register as part of the context of situation and moving genre to the context of culture. Although this will form the majority of the paper, the discussion will conclude with an outline of how this distinction would be used exegetically and its advantages in biblical exegesis.

Item Type:Conference Proceedings
Status:Unpublished
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Adams, Professor Sean
Authors: Adams, S.
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies > Theology and Religious Studies

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