COGNITIVE ANALYSIS OF BINOMIALS IN LITERATURE: BRIDGING GAPS IN EMPATHY AND UNDERSTANDING

Jezik, književnost i empatija (2025) (311-323. str.)

AUTOR(I) / AUTHOR(S):Inna M. Petrova

SAŽETAK / ABSTRACT:

This study delves into the cognitive analysis of binomial pairs incorporating sympathetic components, utilizing interdisciplinary approaches that bridge literary criticism and cognitive science. Over a decade of research has illuminated the significance of binomial structures in hermeneutical and literary textual analysis, including the application of analytical methodologies. The research methodology employs the Google Books Ngram Viewer, a sophisticated digital platform that provides quantitative data on the historical use of specific lexical items or phrases. The analytical process involves formulating queries consisting of two terms, for example, compassion and understanding, and their inverse, understanding and compassion, to determine their relative frequency within a specified time period. The selected time frame spans from 1920 until 2025 and encompasses a century; filters are applied to restrict the search to English language materials and English fiction. A detailed examination of the binomials compassion and understanding, empathy and support, empathy and trust and care and attention reveals the profound impact of literary discourse on perception and interpretation. The results demonstrate that while the literary discourse retains its relevance and interconnectedness, the emotional component, particularly empathy, is increasingly salient within the textual fabric. This research contributes a novel perspective to contemporary literary studies and sympathetic investigations, drawing from the psychological domain. The analysis of binomials as cognitive mechanisms in literature underscores their potential to bridge gaps in empathy and understanding, offering valuable insights into the universal human experience reflected in literary works.

KLJUČNE REČI / KEYWORDS:

cognitive analysis, empathy, binomials, Google Ngram Viewer, text interpretation, emotional relationships

PROJEKAT / ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

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