Seryakova I. Somaticon of English Discursive Practices

This dissertation presents an integrated approach to the study of somaticon of English nonfictional and fictional discursive practices in the insights of semiology, cognitive linguistics, nonverbal semiosis and pragmatics. Somaticon is viewed as a pragmatically motivated variety of nonverbal signs of communication the paradigmatics and syntagmatics of which favor the formation of the semiotic corporality space of the discursive practice. A comprehensive theory of the nonverbal sign is formulated, the method of field-approach is applied to the system of nonverbal communication, the functional and pragmatic specificity of somaticon in English nonfictional and fictional discursive practices are revealed and compared. On the basis of the nonverbal profile characteristics of discursive behaviour the typology of semiotic personalities is designed.