Cognitive schemas behind statistics: Towards a system of text typology*

ISSN： 0929-6174

Source： Journal of Quantitative Linguistics, Vol.14, Iss.2-3, 2007-08, pp. : 242-264

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Abstract

This study focuses on discussing the aims and methods of research into text typology based on Finnish material: How should one select variables and quantify them? What dimensions does factor analysis reveal? What are the distinctive features of genres? What do quantitative differences mean? What sort of universe do genres constitute? The quantitative values of textual dimensions revealed by factor analysis express the holistic and prosodic meanings of texts. They belong to different levels, which form a unified system, a bundle of semantic features. A relevant basic model is a system of systemic-functional linguistics which distinguishes three semantic levels: ideational (experiential), interpersonal and textual. Feature schemas of this kind describe qualitatively the multidimensional universe of genres and the contrastive place of each genre within it. These semantic schemas are simultaneously and originally cognitive, abstracted mental images of generic communicative situations. They act as norms, controllers, or points of view on the text world or theme in question.