The Central University of Punjab recently hosted a lecture titled “Cognitive Grammar and Reading Poetry” by Dr. Marcello Giovanelli, a renowned stylistician with expertise in cognitive and empirical literary studies.
Dr. Giovanelli explored how cognitive grammar can deepen the understanding of poetic texts. He introduced key concepts such as cognitive grammar, construal, and text-world theory, emphasizing that linguistic meaning is shaped by social interactions. He explained that meaning goes beyond the content evoked by expression, focusing instead on how that content is presented.
Using Wilfred Owen’s World War I poem ‘Futility’ as an example, Dr. Giovanelli demonstrated how the structure of a clause is image-schematic, drawing from conceptual archetypes and rooted in human experience.
In his lecture, Dr. Giovanelli highlighted how cognitive grammar can transform traditional methods in literary studies. The event was followed by a question-and-answer session, allowing participants to engage further with the topic.
The session was opened by Dr. Vipan Pal Singh, Head of the Department of English, who welcomed the speaker and attendees. The lecture attracted a mix of faculty members, research scholars, and students, all eager to explore the relationship between language and literature.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Prof. Shahila Zafar, convener of the event. She expressed her gratitude to Dr. Giovanelli for his insightful presentation and hoped that the session would inspire further academic exploration of stylistics and cognitive grammar. Many scholars from other universities participated in the hybrid session.
