kokonaiskontekstista

Kokonaiskonteksti, literally “the whole context” in Finnish, is a concept used in linguistics, discourse analysis, and communication studies to describe the complete set of factors surrounding a text or utterance. It emphasizes that meaning is shaped by more than the words themselves, including situational, social, cultural, and historical elements.

Core components typically considered part of the holistic context include the linguistic code (grammar, vocabulary, tone), speaker intention and attitude, the physical and social setting, cultural norms and power relations, the medium and channel of communication, and the purpose of the interaction.

The noun’s inflected form kokonaiskontekstista is used to indicate origin or source—e.g., “kokonaiskontekstista riippuen” (“depending on the holistic context”). In practice, analysts examine statements, texts, or media products within their broader frame rather than in isolation.

Applications and significance: It warns against decontextualized analysis, supports discourse analysis, and informs education, media literacy, and localization practices. The concept is often invoked to explain how interpretations can change when broader surroundings are taken into account.

Related terms include konteksti, kontekstuaalinen, and the broader idea of holistic or contextualized interpretation.