This study focuses on meaning construction as it occurs in the
reading act. It explores and challenges the view that the
reader usually uses language to construct meaning in a
referential way. This study envisages that the reader who
engages in a literal reading of the text may encount~r serious
epistemological and ontological problems which ensue from such
a narrow reading of the text.
In the context of the dynamics of meaning construction, this
study subsequently problematizes the notion of language vis-avis
the notion of subjectivity and representation. It
challenges the taken for granted assumption that meaning is
pre-ordained and which has to be extracted by a sovereign and
authoritative reading subject. The question of precision and
correctness of grasping textual content is addressed by
exploring those views which seek to go beyond Cartesian
representationalism. This study therefore critically explores
an alternative reading theory by examining the pioneering
dialogical views of earlier theorists to include, ultimately,
those subversive attempts of radical theorists. The latter
group clearly seeks to subvert and even displace the dialogical
reading practices of their predecessors. This study ultimately
proposes the notion of a differential reading discourse. Such
an integrative theory postulates an alternative theory of
reading which in fact provides a more expansive, yet inclusive,
framework of reading. This would entail a form of reading
which would combat the mere consumption of meanings and
acquiescence into ideology-building. It would be a reading
framework that is more in keeping with our socio-political
reality in South Africa, in which people can enjoy a far more
critical and comprehensive view of themselves and of the
society in which they operate. / Information Science / D.Litt. et Phil. (Information Science)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:umkn-dsp01.int.unisa.ac.za:10500/17780 |
| Date | 06 1900 |
| Creators | Van Wyk, Jerome Alexander |
| Contributors | De Beer, C. S. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 1 online resource (486 leaves) |
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