Linguistic vs.

Extralingual Context

 Linguistic Context
 Extralingual Context
 Microcontext
 Macrocontext
 Megacontext

Language is an essential tool for communication, but it is not the only factor that
affects how people understand each other. Context plays a significant role in
communication, and it can be classified into two types: Linguistic and Extralingual
context.

 Linguistic Context
- is the encirclement of a language unit by other language units in speech.
Such encirclement makes the meaning of the unit clear and unambiguous.
It is especially important in case with polysemantic words.
- This includes information about the grammatical structure of a sentence,
the words and phrases that surround a particular word, and the meaning
of those words and phrases in relation to each other.

Examples of Polysemantic Words:

1. “Run”
 This word can refer to the act of moving quickly on foot, as in "I
like to run for exercise." However, it can also refer to a tear or snag
in a piece of clothing, as in "I can't wear these pants anymore, and
they have a run in them." Additionally, "run" can mean to manage
or be in charge of something, as in "She runs her own business."
2. "Bat"
 This word can refer to a flying mammal, a piece of sporting
equipment used in baseball or cricket, or a swift hit or strike.

EL 115 - STYLISTICS AND DISCOURSE ANALYSIS 1

 3. "Crane"
 This word can refer to a type of bird, a piece of heavy equipment
used in construction, or a gesture in which one stretches out their
neck to see something better.
4. "Match"
 This word can refer to a small stick used to start a fire, a
competition between two teams or individuals, or a pairing of two
people or things that complement each other.

- For example, consider the word "bank". Depending on the context in

which it is used, "bank" could refer to a financial institution, the side of a
river, or the act of tilting or turning something.

1. "I need to go to the bank to deposit a check,"

 the word "bank" is clearly referring to a financial institution, as this is the
most likely meaning in this context.
2. "The boat drifted towards the bank of the river,"
 the word "bank" is clearly referring to the side of the river.

 Extralingual Context
- An extralingual (situational) context is formed by extralingual conditions
in which communication takes place.
- It refers to the non-linguistic factors that influence the meaning and interpretation
of messages.

Two Factors:

1. Physical context - refers to the tangible and observable conditions in

which communication takes place.

2. Abstract context - refers to the intangible and less observable factors

that influence communication. This can include temporal or
chronological context, which refers to the time and sequence in which
events occur. Psychological context is another form of abstract context

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 that refers to the emotional and cognitive state of the participants in the
communication.

 TYPES OF LINGUISTIC CONTEXT

1. Microcontext - is the context of a single utterance (sentence).

Example:
Sentence: "I need to change the battery in my watch."

The microcontext of the word "battery" in this sentence is that it refers to a

small, portable power source used to power electronic devices, such as
watches.

2. Macrocontext - is the context of a paragraph in a text. \

Example:
"Despite being a common affliction, anxiety can be incredibly
debilitating for those who experience it. It can lead to a range of
symptoms, including sweating, heart palpitations, and difficulty
concentrating. Furthermore, anxiety can have a significant impact on a
person's quality of life, affecting their ability to work, maintain
relationships, and engage in everyday activities. Fortunately, there are
many effective treatments available for anxiety, such as cognitive-
behavioral therapy and medication."

In this example, the macrocontext would be the larger context of

the entire text that the paragraph is a part of, such as a book, article, or
report. The paragraph is discussing the topic of anxiety, its symptoms,
and its impact on a person's life, and is likely part of a larger discussion
about mental health. The macrocontext is important for understanding the
overall purpose and message of the text as a whole.

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 3. Megacontext - is the context of a book chapter, a story or the whole book.

Example:
The novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee.

The megacontext would be the entire novel, which includes various

storylines, characters, and themes. The events that occur in each chapter
build upon each other, and the characters' actions and motivations are
shaped by the events that occur throughout the novel. To fully understand
and appreciate the novel, one must consider the megacontext, which
encompasses the entire narrative and its themes.

Linguistic and extralingual context are both important aspects of communication.

Linguistic context refers to the words and language used to convey a message, while
extralingual context refers to the non-linguistic factors that influence communication,
such as the physical or abstract conditions in which communication takes place. In
order to effectively communicate, it is important to consider both linguistic and
extralingual context. This means paying attention not only to the words being used, but
also to the environment in which communication takes place and the nonverbal cues
being given.

References

 Studocu. (n.d). NOTES IN STYLISTIC AND DISCOURSE DEVELOPMENT

Linguistic vs. Extralingual Contexts.
https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/university-of-southern-
mindanao/stylistic-and-discourse-development/linguistic-vs-
extralingual-contexts/31023047
 Blanco, A. (Jun 9, 2022). Linguistic vs. Extralingual Context.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgzC1hlsxZc

Prepared by:

Antiporda, Mylene
Lacumbis, Shaene Mae
Ladrica, Marianne Mae

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