On the Critical Reappraisal and Evolution of Van Dijk's Cognitive Context Conception

Abstract

As a pivotal figure in Critical Discourse Analysis, Teun A. van Dijk has constructed a distinctive theoretical framework for investigating context from a sociocognitive standpoint. This study undertakes a critical reappraisal of van Dijk’s cognitive context theory by tracing the historical trajectory of context research, examining its departure from traditional perspectives, and analyzing its evolution through engagements with existing cognitive context theories. By situating van Dijk’s work within the broader landscape of linguistic and sociocultural inquiry, this paper argues that his sociocognitive paradigm offers a transformative lens for understanding how context operates in discourse production and comprehension. Specifically, it addresses phenomena that elude traditional theories, such as the coexistence of uniqueness and commonalities in language users’ communicative behaviors within identical scenarios. Furthermore, this paper critically evaluates the strengths and limitations of van Dijk’s framework, highlighting its contributions to bridging linguistic, cognitive, and social dimensions of context, while also identifying avenues for future research to enhance its empirical validity and practical applicability.