A Cognitive Analysis of Namedropping and Precedent Names in English Horror Novels
Introduction. Due to the anthropocentric nature of modern linguistics, precedent phenomena can be examined not only from the perspective of linguacultural studies but also from the perspective of cognitive linguistics. In this article, the author considers the precedent names and analyzes them from a cognitive perspective. The article aims to examine and describe the cognitive potential of precedent names and namedropping as they function in English-language horror novels. Namedropping, although within the framework of precedent theory, has been less studied. The analysis of functional potential of the namedropping in a work of fiction, particularly in horror novels, constitutes the novelty of the study, and its relevance lies in the appeal to cognitive linguistic mechanisms to describe one of the precedent phenomena. Methodology and sources. In studying namedropping and precedent names, the author used the methods of literature analysis, sampling method, stylistic analysis, cognitive analysis, and description of the obtained results. Results and discussion. The analysis of the cognitive processes involved in their use revealed that precedent names and namedropping are widely used in horror, serving as trope devices and activating mechanisms of conceptual integration/reintegration, cognitive metaphorization, comparison, profiling, and the building of intertextual connections. Conclusion. Thus, the precedent phenomena and namedropping chosen for consideration represent stylistic devices which interact with the entire structure of the text and possesses high cognitive potential, as they compressed into mini-concepts that require “unpacking” in the reader's mind. They conduct concise peculiarisation of characters or situations, constructing the novel's chronotope, and providing additional information about the mode of expression.
Authors: Еkaterina B. Kolomeytseva
Direction: Linguistics
Keywords: namedropping, precedent names, horror novel, cognitive analysis, intertextuality, comparison
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