CHAPTER 6: COMMUNICATIVE CONTEXTS

Introduction

Communication is the process of sharing information, ideas, feelings, opinions, and experiences between people.

In literature, communication is very important because writers use language to pass messages about society, culture, politics, and human experiences.

A communicative context refers to the situation, environment, or conditions in which communication takes place. It determines how messages are created, delivered, and understood.

In literary texts, communication may occur between:

Characters.
The writer and readers.
The narrator and audience.
Different social groups.

1. Communicative Contexts in Literary Texts

Meaning of Communicative Contexts

Communicative contexts in literary texts refer to the circumstances that influence how characters communicate and how readers interpret the message of a literary work.

The context is influenced by:

The speaker.
The audience.
The purpose of communication.
The social environment.
The cultural background.
The historical period.

A. Social Context

Social context refers to communication influenced by relationships, social status, and social conditions.

People communicate differently depending on their position in society.

Example:

In a novel, a village elder may speak respectfully and use wise expressions when advising young people.

A young person may use simple language when speaking with friends.

Importance:

Shows relationships among characters.
Reflects social values.
Helps readers understand behaviour.

Example in Literature:

A poor farmer may speak differently from a wealthy businessman.

The farmer may discuss:

Survival.
Hunger.
Hard work.

The businessman may discuss:

Investments.
Profits.
Economic growth.
This difference reveals social inequality.

B. Cultural Context

Cultural context refers to communication influenced by traditions, beliefs, customs, and values of a society.

Different communities have different ways of expressing ideas.

Example:

African elders may use proverbs when giving advice.

A proverb:

“A single hand cannot tie a bundle.”

Meaning: People need cooperation to succeed.

Importance:

Preserves cultural identity.
Explains traditional values.
Makes literary works realistic.

C. Historical Context

Historical context refers to the period and historical events surrounding a literary work.

The time in which a text is written affects its message.

Example:

A novel written about colonial Africa may discuss:

Colonial oppression.
Independence struggles.
Resistance movements.

Importance:

Helps readers understand historical experiences.
Explains why characters behave in certain ways.

D. Political Context

Political context involves communication influenced by power, leadership, government, and political situations.

Example:

A character criticizing corruption in a government may use indirect language to avoid punishment.

Importance:

Reveals political problems.
Shows relationships between leaders and citizens.
Encourages social awareness.

E. Economic Context

Economic context refers to how wealth, poverty, employment, and resources influence communication.

Example:

A poor worker may respectfully request better wages from an employer because of the power difference.

Importance:

Shows economic struggles.
Explains social conflicts.

F. Literary Context

Literary context refers to the relationship between a text and other literary works, styles, and traditions.

A writer may use ideas from previous works.

Example:

A modern African writer may use traditional storytelling techniques such as:

Proverbs.
Folktales.
Songs.

Importance:

Connects literature across generations.
Shows development of literary traditions.

2. Communication in Different Contexts

Communication changes depending on the situation, participants, and purpose.

A. Communication Between Characters

This is communication that happens among characters inside a literary work.

It can occur through:

Dialogue.
Arguments.
Conversations.
Speeches.

Example:

Two characters discussing independence:

Character A:

“We must fight for our freedom.”

Character B:

“Yes, our children deserve a better future.”

Importance:

Reveals characters’ thoughts.
Develops conflicts.
Moves the story forward.

B. Communication Between Writer and Reader

The writer communicates ideas to readers through the literary work.

The message may involve:

Social criticism.
Moral lessons.
Political opinions.
Cultural values.

Example:

A writer creates a story about corruption to warn society about bad leadership.

Importance:

Educates readers.
Creates awareness.
Influences people’s thinking.

C. Communication Between Narrator and Reader

The narrator guides readers through the story.

The narrator may:

Explain events.
Give opinions.
Describe characters.

Example:

“The village had suffered for many years because of the selfish actions of its leaders.”

Importance:

Helps readers understand events.
Provides background information.

D. Formal Communication

Formal communication follows accepted rules and is used in official situations.

Examples:

Court speeches.
Political speeches.
School meetings.

Example:

A leader addressing citizens:

“My government will work to improve education and healthcare.”

Features:

Respectful language.
Organized ideas.
Serious tone.

E. Informal Communication

Informal communication occurs in casual situations.

Examples:

Conversations among friends.
Family discussions.

Example:

Two friends discussing their daily problems.

Features:

Simple language.
Relaxed style.
Personal expressions.

F. Persuasive Communication

Communication intended to convince people to accept an idea.

Common in:

Political speeches.
Advertisements.
Literary speeches.

Example:

A freedom fighter says:

“Our children deserve a future without oppression.”

Importance:

Motivates action.
Changes opinions.
Builds support.

G. Conflict Communication

Communication involving disagreement between individuals or groups.

Example:

A parent and child disagree about education choices.

Parent: “You must follow our traditional ways.”

Child: “I want to choose my own future.”

Importance:

Creates tension in stories.
Reveals different beliefs.
Develops themes.

3. Importance of Understanding Communicative Contexts in Literature

1. Helps Interpret Meaning

The same words may have different meanings depending on context.

Example:

A leader saying:

“We are one family.”

May mean unity, but in another context it may hide political manipulation.

2. Helps Understand Characters

Communication reveals:

Personality.
Education level.
Social position.
Beliefs.

Example:

A character using proverbs may show cultural knowledge.

3. Helps Identify Themes

Communication reveals major issues in a text.

Example:

Arguments between workers and employers may reveal the theme of exploitation.

4. Helps Understand Society

Literature reflects real communication patterns in society.

Example:

A story about traditional marriage discussions shows cultural practices.

5. Factors Affecting Communication in Literary Texts

1. Language

The choice of words affects understanding.

Example:

A writer may use simple language to reach many readers.

2. Culture

Cultural differences influence interpretation.

Example:

A proverb may be understood differently by different communities.

3. Relationship Between Speakers

The relationship affects the tone.

Example: A child speaks respectfully to parents but casually to friends.

4. Purpose of Communication

People communicate for different reasons:

To inform.
To persuade.
To entertain.
To criticize.

5. Situation

The environment affects communication.

Example:

A person speaks differently in a courtroom compared to a family gathering.

Conclusion

Communicative contexts are important in understanding literary texts because communication is influenced by social, cultural, historical, political, and economic conditions.

Writers use different forms of communication, such as dialogue, narration, speeches, and conflicts, to develop characters, reveal themes, and pass messages to readers.

Understanding these contexts enables readers to interpret literary works accurately and relate them to real-life experiences.