Aspects of Applying Prototypology to Text Types
Aspects of Applying Prototypology to Text Types

Summary/Abstract: The notion of text type emerged as far back as Aristotelian times but it is still surrounded by considerable conceptual confusion. Due to the existence of multiple – and conflicting – viewpoints on the notion, the related term of text type is also characterized by multiple interpretations. Seeking to propose a means of overcoming the ambiguity surrounding text type, the present paper argues a case for the overt application of prototype theory to the notion and term. In accordance with basic postulates of prototypology, the suggestions put forward here are supported by results from a study involving actual users of the notion of text type. The study includes 28 linguists working in the field of text linguistics and discourse analysis. The general method adopted is cognitive as it coheres with (and even can be argued to derive historically from) prototypology.

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