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Chapter 3. A predictive coding approach to Text World Theory

  • Benedict Neurohr
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Experiencing Fictional Worlds
This chapter is in the book Experiencing Fictional Worlds

Abstract

Text World Theory offers a beneficial tool for the analysis of texts and the structures of fictional worlds. A significant and fascinating topic is the cognitive and psychological reality behind the text-world structures identified by an expert researcher of literature and if they are experienced when read by a given individual for pleasure. Using a neurological model of perceptual processing called Predictive Coding, this chapter sets out to examine how a text might be processed in real time by a reader. This process must also be sensitive to readers’ prior knowledge in keeping with Text World Theory, and whether it is the first time the text is read or not. It will be shown that while the analyses provided by Text World Theory are valid and useful for describing fictional constructions, it is possible to be even more precise when describing the formation of text-worlds in a real-time reading process.

Abstract

Text World Theory offers a beneficial tool for the analysis of texts and the structures of fictional worlds. A significant and fascinating topic is the cognitive and psychological reality behind the text-world structures identified by an expert researcher of literature and if they are experienced when read by a given individual for pleasure. Using a neurological model of perceptual processing called Predictive Coding, this chapter sets out to examine how a text might be processed in real time by a reader. This process must also be sensitive to readers’ prior knowledge in keeping with Text World Theory, and whether it is the first time the text is read or not. It will be shown that while the analyses provided by Text World Theory are valid and useful for describing fictional constructions, it is possible to be even more precise when describing the formation of text-worlds in a real-time reading process.

Chapters in this book

  1. Prelim pages i
  2. Table of contents v
  3. List of contributors vii
  4. Preface xi
  5. Acknowledgments xiii
  6. Chapter 1. Introduction 1
  7. Part 1. Foundations of fictional worlds
  8. Chapter 2. Immersion and emergence in children’s literature 15
  9. Chapter 3. A predictive coding approach to Text World Theory 33
  10. Chapter 4. World-building as cognitive feedback loop 53
  11. Part 2. Forming fictional worlds
  12. Chapter 5. Experiencing horrible worlds 75
  13. Chapter 6. Framing the narrative 97
  14. Chapter 7. Constructing inferiority through comic characterisation 119
  15. Chapter 8. Cognitive grammar and reconstrual 135
  16. Part 3. Fictional worlds in context
  17. Chapter 9. Immersive reading and the unnatural text-worlds of “Dead Fish” 157
  18. Chapter 10. Experiencing literature in the poetry classroom 177
  19. Chapter 11. Sharing fiction 199
  20. Chapter 12. Afterword 219
  21. Subject index 225
https://doi.org/10.1075/lal.32.03neu

Chapters in this book

  1. Prelim pages i
  2. Table of contents v
  3. List of contributors vii
  4. Preface xi
  5. Acknowledgments xiii
  6. Chapter 1. Introduction 1
  7. Part 1. Foundations of fictional worlds
  8. Chapter 2. Immersion and emergence in children’s literature 15
  9. Chapter 3. A predictive coding approach to Text World Theory 33
  10. Chapter 4. World-building as cognitive feedback loop 53
  11. Part 2. Forming fictional worlds
  12. Chapter 5. Experiencing horrible worlds 75
  13. Chapter 6. Framing the narrative 97
  14. Chapter 7. Constructing inferiority through comic characterisation 119
  15. Chapter 8. Cognitive grammar and reconstrual 135
  16. Part 3. Fictional worlds in context
  17. Chapter 9. Immersive reading and the unnatural text-worlds of “Dead Fish” 157
  18. Chapter 10. Experiencing literature in the poetry classroom 177
  19. Chapter 11. Sharing fiction 199
  20. Chapter 12. Afterword 219
  21. Subject index 225
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