Relevance theory and apocalyptic literature
Posted: February 11th, 2018, 3:10 pm
I have come across a number of books dealing with biblical issues in the light of relevance theory and am wondering how the notion of relevance fits with apocalyptic literature.
Relevance theory that I have read (I am currently going through Billy Clark's book on it) indicates that there is a presumption of optimal relevance in the case of ostensive-inferential communication, namely that communicator is presumed to be communicating in such a way as to maximise positive cognitive effects with the minimal effort by the recipient to the best of the communicator's ability.
How does relevance theory fit with apocalyptic literature like Revelation? What pragmatic inferences are intended by the reader as we find the effort increasing and the communication more obscure. Is this more an issue of temporal and cultural distance causing this issue for modern readers?
Relevance theory that I have read (I am currently going through Billy Clark's book on it) indicates that there is a presumption of optimal relevance in the case of ostensive-inferential communication, namely that communicator is presumed to be communicating in such a way as to maximise positive cognitive effects with the minimal effort by the recipient to the best of the communicator's ability.
How does relevance theory fit with apocalyptic literature like Revelation? What pragmatic inferences are intended by the reader as we find the effort increasing and the communication more obscure. Is this more an issue of temporal and cultural distance causing this issue for modern readers?