Peculiarities of Modern English Multimodal Discourse

Abstract

This article deals with the investigation of English multimodal discourse. An outline is given of reasons for which it can be considered necessary to investigate verbal and non-verbal means used in written discourse for the implementation of communicative intentions. An analysis is made that focuses on multidimensional key theories, which make possible the study of the peculiarities of verbal and non-verbal means functioning in the English communicative space. Attention is also devoted to the interrelationship and the interdependence of several linguistic disciplines–graphic linguistics, social semiotics, visual linguistics, cognitive linguistics, visual communication, textual linguistics, communicative linguistics, multimodal theory and multimodal discourse–within which verbal and non-verbal devices are considered. The key concepts which are involved in considering multimodal discourse have also been described. Essential points and specifics relating to semiotic modes and resources have been explained, and distinctive features of multimodal discourse have been described. Some attention has been devoted to the systemic and functional approach to the investigation of multimodal discourse; it can also be applied to the problems related to literacy and to the writing skills which are necessary for all individuals in this digital age. Prospective approaches for further research have been pointed out, considering the latest communication trends which are inherent in the modern English-speaking world.

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