1. Linguistic Context: This refers to the words and sentences that immediately precede and follow a particular word, phrase, or sentence. It helps us understand the meaning of individual words, phrases, and sentences by providing clues about their intended use and relationship to other parts of the text.
* Example: "The dog barked at the mailman."
* We know what a "dog" is, but the word "barked" tells us the dog is making a sound. The phrase "at the mailman" clarifies who or what the dog is barking at.
2. Situational Context: This refers to the broader context of the text, including the author's background, the intended audience, the purpose of the text, and the time and place of its creation. Understanding the situational context helps us interpret the text in a way that is consistent with its intended meaning.
* Example: A scientific paper on climate change published in a peer-reviewed journal will have a very different meaning than a blog post about climate change written for a general audience.
In addition to these two main types of context, there are several other factors that can contribute to the meaning of a text:
* Culture: The cultural background of the author and audience can influence the meaning of a text.
* Genre: The type of text, such as a novel, poem, or essay, will shape how it is read and interpreted.
* Tone: The author's attitude towards the subject matter can influence the meaning of the text.
* Prior Knowledge: Our existing knowledge about the world can help us understand the meaning of a text.
In summary: Surrounding text, including linguistic context, situational context, and other factors, all play a crucial role in helping us understand the meaning of a text. By paying attention to these elements, we can gain a deeper understanding of the author's message and the world they are describing.