Using stories to bridge the chasm between perspectives: How metaphors and genres are used to share meaning

TL;DR

This paper explores how actors from different perspectives use metaphors and genres in language to effectively communicate and bridge understanding in complex social and cultural contexts.

Contribution

It introduces a novel analysis of discourse patterns, focusing on metaphors and genres, to understand perspective-sharing in multi-actor communication.

Findings

Actors use metaphors to bridge reasoning gaps.

Genres help clarify roles and responsibilities.

Discourse analysis reveals layered meaning in context.

Abstract

Natural language, although complex in structure, contains considerable detail. All instances of language serve the purpose of making sense of experience and the intent of actors. Language conveys actor's personal reference to goals, responsibility, and values. In this paper we consider how actors from distinct perspectives communicate when they have share common goals. We have observed the planning of a community and cultural event where actors are variously responsible for management and for artistic merit. Specifically, we consider actor's use of language as a tool to span perspectives and how functional discourse analysis tools and techniques enable a deeper interpretive understanding of the layers of discourse when derived from a rich context. We will also illustrate patterns we have found in the use of discourse and actor's ability to bridge the reasoning and logical gap between distinct perspectives through actor's reference to metaphors and genres.