Tähendusnarratiivi

Tähendusnarratiivi, also known as meaning narrative, is a concept in semiotics and linguistics that refers to the process by which signs and symbols are given meaning within a cultural or linguistic context. This concept is central to understanding how communication works, as it explains how people assign and interpret meaning to various signs, symbols, and texts.

The term "tähendusnarratiivi" was popularized by the Estonian linguist and semiotician Jaan Undusk. He argued that meaning is not inherent in signs themselves, but rather is constructed through a narrative process that involves the interpreter's background knowledge, cultural context, and personal experiences. This narrative approach to meaning contrasts with more structuralist views that emphasize the inherent meaning of signs.

In a meaning narrative, the interpreter actively constructs meaning by drawing on their existing knowledge and experiences to make sense of new information. This process is not linear or straightforward, but rather involves a complex interplay of top-down and bottom-up influences. The narrative approach also highlights the role of context in shaping meaning, as the same sign can have different meanings in different contexts.

Tähendusnarratiivi has applications in various fields, including linguistics, semiotics, cultural studies, and communication theory. It provides a framework for analyzing how meaning is created and interpreted in different cultural and linguistic contexts, and how this process can be influenced by factors such as power, ideology, and social structures. However, it is important to note that the narrative approach to meaning is not without its critics, who argue that it oversimplifies the complex processes involved in communication and meaning-making.