The pragmatic possibilities of the creolized texts in the Italian’s Army yearbooks

Zotova Sofiya Postgraduate student; Department of Italian Language, Faculty of Translation; Moscow State Linguistic University 38 Ostozhenka str., Moscow, 119034, Russia sofiya_arsenteva@mail.ru

Introduction

In the context of technological progress, unstable foreign and domestic political situation and the development of new media channels, the study of "words as actions" becomes relevant. Today, information can no longer be imagined without a visual component. If earlier the reader's attention could be caught by a catchy newspaper headline, today in many media sources the text is accompanied by an image, and the main attention of the addressee is focused on it.

According to E. N. Pishcherskaya, it is precisely such texts that "reflect the trends in the development of modern society and culture, which are characterized by globalization, mediatization, interactivity, and multimodality" [Pishcherskaya, 2023, p. 60].In this regard, ongoing research in the field of linguistics focuses not on a simple, but on a heterogeneous text. This implies that special attention is paid to the interaction of its verbal and iconic components. Consequently, their study as a tool for effective speech influence on the recipient in the context of such processes as the improvement of modern technologies, changing the principles of information perception, including the use of small form and visual accompaniment, determine the relevance of the study.

The main purpose of the study is to establish the pragmatic functions of the verbal and iconic components of the text of military calendars in their interaction aimed at improving the image of the Italian army for its popularization among citizens.

The research material was publications for the period from 2010 to 2021, about two hundred creolized texts of calendars of the Italian Land Forces. The research methods include: the continuous sampling method, lexical analysis, comparison and synthesis of the analysis results.

The variability of the nomination of heterogeneous texts

Due to the terminological diversity of definitions of heterogeneous texts, we propose to consider the most popular of them and explain the reason for choosing the term creolized text.

Due to the emphasis on the study of the pragmatic aspect, namely the relations of mutual influence and complementarity in the text, we follow E. E. Anisimova, A. A. Bernatskaya, L. S. Bolshiyanova, N. S. Valgina, I. V. Vashunina, Yu. A. Sorokin and E. F. Tarasov will use the concept of creolized. This term appeared in Russian linguistics in the 90s of the XX century as a designation for the connection of "two heterogeneous parts: verbal (linguistic/speech) and non-verbal (belonging to other sign systems than natural language)" [Sorokin, Tarasov, 1990, p. 180]. Later, researchers proposed other definitions, more precise and widespread, but the main focus was on studying the pragmatic aspect of the "linguovisual phenomenon" [Anisimova, 2003, p. 17].

However, the term polycode text was the first to appear in the scientific literature, the authors of which were G. V. Yeiger and V. L. Yukht. It should be noted that in the definition proposed by scientists, attention is focused on the multiplicity of codes, and not on their degree of participation in the text: "Polycode texts in a broad semiotic sense should include cases of combining a natural language code with the code of some other semiotic system (image, music, etc.)" [Eiger, Juht, 1974, p. 107].

To confirm the idea of the primacy of the number of codes, let's give an example from M. B. Voroshilova's monograph, where the author writes that the term polycode reconciles differing scientific views due to the indifference of the concept. At the same time, according to the scientist, it "reflects only one central and fundamental feature of the analyzed texts – polycode" [Voroshilova, 2007, p. 18].

In the collective monograph of the Russian Academy of Sciences of the Institute of Linguistics "Creolized text: Semantic perception", the terms creolized and polycode are considered synonymous: "Calling the text "creolized", we state the presence in it of different sign systems forming an inseparable unity, fusion. [Vashunina, 2020, p. 23].

It is important to note the reasoning of M. A. Belova, who believes that generic relations arise between the concepts of creolized and polycode: a creolized text is a type of polycode text "with an interpretative or complementary correlation of elements of different symbolic nature" [Belova, 2022, p. 6]. Thus, from her point of view, creolization is responsible for the process of participation of heterogeneous elements in the text, and polycode is responsible for the process of perception of information.

The term multimodal is common in foreign linguistics. English-speaking authors consider it in their works on social semiotics as a visual, written, oral, gestural or other text that conveys information using various resources that, in addition to language, contain images, sounds, animation, etc. [Kress & Van Leeuwen, 1996].

Italian linguists, following Anglo-American researchers, use the term multimodal. For example, S. Verdiani, a researcher from the University of Turin, writes that linguistics uses the term multimodality to define hybrid speech acts that use several sign systems at the same time, such as language, image, music, etc. She also speaks about the need for the so-called multimodal competence of the reader to perceive texts of this type, namely, "the use of not only linguistic, but also semiotic factors in a broad sense, which, depending on the circumstances, affect the management of linguistic and visual elements"^[1] [Verdiani, 2019, p. 264]. Therefore, according to S. Verdiani, in order to understand the message, it is necessary to take into account the inevitable relationship between the written text and the image, as well as simultaneously use numerous channels of perception.

In his work on the traditions and innovations of the study of cognitive linguistics, another Italian researcher K. Bazzanella introduces pragmatic and functional principles of multimodal communication, which include: the principle of symbolism, indexality and iconicity. The principle of symbolism refers to the traditional association of form and meaning. The principle of indexality allows us to "point out" and refer to objects present in our attention. The principle of iconicity makes it possible to represent order, distance or quantity in the verbal component, where order concerns temporal events, distance explains the fact that conceptually related things tend to be explained in a similar way from a linguistic point of view, and the concept of quantity demonstrates the tendency of people to associate more forms with more meaning. For example, the extension of the vowel luuuunga storia "warns" the listener about the readiness for a long story. [Bazzanella 2014, p. 20].

Linguist M. Palermo, studying not only written but also oral speech, speaks of a "multi-layered multimodality" resulting from the integration of prosodic or intonation (tone, intensity, pauses, rhythm, speed of eloquence, i.e. the choice of linguistic expression) and bodily or gestural (movements of various parts of the body used in semiotic function, such as head movements, gaze, facial expressions, posture, etc.) components. It is interesting to note M. Palermo's reflections on the shape, size, orientation in space of graphic signs, their location, portability or immobility and other material characteristics, which, according to the researcher, represent modalities that jointly form the meaning of the utterance [Palermo, 2022, p. 560].

M. Prada writes about complex modal texts that acquire new forms of hypertextuality and differ not so much in the binary opposition between monomodality and multimodality, as in the degree of integration of various channels and semiotic codes in one text [Prada, 2021, p. 231].

Thus, the authors listed by us understand modality as a channel of perception of information (auditory, visual, etc.).

Despite the fact that among domestic researchers there is a tendency to use the term multimodal, with this approach, the text consisting of written information and an image, which is to be studied in our work, is monomodal, since the reader perceives information only visually. Different ways of perceiving information (visual, auditory channels, etc.) do not constitute the subject of this study, therefore, the concept of multimodality does not suit us.

After reviewing the above works in detail, we came to the conclusion that when studying the degree of solidity of components and the relations of their mutual influence, we should use the term creolized text, which reveals the degree of participation of heterogeneous elements in the message.

Verbal components of CalendEsercito as speech acts

In accordance with the theory of speech acts, J. Austin (1911-1960), which is generally considered to be the fundamental theoretical concept of linguistic pragmatics, a single speech act (RA) consists of three levels: locative (in relation to the means of language used), illocutionary (in relation to the purpose and conditions of its implementation indicated by the speaker) and perlocutionary (in relation to the impact that it it affects the recipient) [Kobozeva, 2008, p. 222].

Let's imagine the three-level structure of RA in calendars in the form of a table:

Table 1

The structure of the speech act in CalendEsercito

It can be seen from the table that the language of calendars solves important tasks: it reports on the past and current state of the Land Forces and the Italian Armed Forces as a whole, encourages the addressee to get acquainted with the army, respect traditions, and express a positive attitude towards the activities of the Land Forces and the Italian Armed Forces.

In our study, we analyze the locative and illocutionary levels in order to draw a conclusion about the perlocutionary level, namely, whether the author achieves a perlocutionary effect, and if so, by what verbal and non-verbal means the consciousness, thoughts and feelings of the addressee change. To do this, let's look at some examples from the calendars of the Italian Land Forces.

The functions of the verbal and iconic component in CalendEsercito

The verbal component of calendars performs several functions from a pragmatic point of view:attractive, informative, normative, symbolic and expressive. Let's look at how each of these functions is implemented below.

The CalendEsercito reader can get information about days of the week, months, holidays, events, planned events and other time parameters. This is how the informative function is implemented.

The attractive function allows you to attract the reader's attention, arouse his interest in reading the text.

The regulatory function establishes the order and rules, for example, public holidays, weekends, working hours, etc. are indicated in calendars.

Due to the symbolic function, verbal components can convey abstract images, such as love for the motherland, patriotic sentiments, pride in their country and its inhabitants.

With the help of the expressive function, the author can express a personal attitude to the subject of the message and influence the reader's feelings. The task of the addressee is to make the addressee understand his emotions, adopt and feel them, share them with him.

Some of the above functions are also implemented in the iconic component. E. E. Anisimova identifies four main (attractive, informative, expressive and aesthetic) and seven particular functions (symbolic, illustrative, argumentative, image creation, characterological, euphemistic and satirical) of the iconic component. [Anisimova, 2003, p. 51].

The attractive function is realized when the image becomes a "strong visual exciter" and "attracts the attention of the addressee, causing him to be ready to enter into a communicative act with the sender of the text" [Sorokin, Tarasov, 1990, p. 183].

A symbolic function is the ability to convey abstract ideas through an image. The symbols of the calendars of the Italian Land Forces, in most cases, are of a conventional nature: coats of arms, emblems, insignia and distinctions of military personnel. For example, a pigeon is a symbol of communication, an atomic mushroom is a symbol of nuclear weapons.

The illustrative function is inherent in all calendar images, except for the background ones. Therefore, verbally transmitted information is complemented by visual and understandable images for the reader.

The euphemistic function means that the image acts as a euphemism, namely, it visually conveys what cannot be conveyed verbally with the same expression.

The argumentation function confirms the verbal information and serves as a visual proof.

Using a few illustrative examples, we will try to consider which functions are implemented in the material of our study, the creolized text of Calendesercito.

Fig.1

The first example is taken from the 2018 calendar dedicated to the centenary of the end of the First World War^[2]. Against the background of the flag of the Kingdom of Italy, we see inscriptions made in different sizes. This is exactly what the leaflets dropped by Italian pilots on the initiative of the famous poet and politician Gabriele d looked like.’Annunzio on the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the city of Vienna, in 1918.

The red torn part resembles flames, and, together with three underlined calls of an enlarged pin, forms an iconic expression of the call to action, which attracts attention and makes you think about the time epoch, about the image that generates the image, and about the reasons for its use in the text. The tricolor, as an element of statehood, symbolizes unity, the menacingly aspiring red sections of the canvas indicate a willingness to fight for the integrity of the country.

The verbal component is expressed by appeals and appeals, the illocutionary function of which is to express solidarity, unity and cohesion:

VIENNESI! Imparate a conoscere gli italiani. Noi volammo su Vienna, potremmo lanciare bombe a tonnellate. Non vi lanciamo che un saluto a tre colori: i tre colori della liberta. Noi italiani non facciamo la guerra ai bambini, ai vecchi, alle donne. Noi facciamo la guerra al vostro governo nemico delle libertà nazionali… VIENNESI! Voi avete fama d'essere intelligenti. Ma perché vi siete messa l'uniforme prussiana? Volete continuare la guerra? Continuatela. È il vostro suicidio. Che sperate? POPOLO DI VIENNA, pensa ai tuoi casi. Svégliati! VIVA LA LIBERTA! VIVA L'ITALIA! VIVA L'INTESA!

CROWNS! Get to know the Italian people. We are flying over Vienna. We could drop tons of bombs, but we greet you with three colors: three colors of freedom. We Italians do not wage war against children, the elderly, and women. We are at war with your government, the enemy of national freedom... CROWNS! Your people are famous for their intelligence. But why are you wearing a Prussian uniform? Do you want to continue the war? Go ahead. It's suicide. What are you hoping for?.. PEOPLE OF VIENNA, think about your business. Wake up! LONG LIVE FREEDOM! LONG LIVE ITALY! LONG LIVE THE ENTENTE!

Exclamation sentences with an optative modality create an expressive syntax that attracts the reader's attention not only by graphic design, but also by lexical content.

Thus, in this example we see a combination of an attractive, expressive, symbolic and illustrative function. State symbols, the historical image of the unity and cohesion of the people during the war also serve the function of creating a positive image of the Italian Armed Forces.

In the second example, we see a child's drawing and an explanatory inscription to it^[3]: "My dad always thinks of me, especially when he is far away. My brother and I are always in his heart, and I love him very much."

The lexical and syntactic simplicity of children's speech, the assyndeton characteristic of oral utterance, is complemented by the same unpretentious, but semantically filled images of a flag, a heart, a military dad, the sky and grass. In the explanatory commentary, we also see the tilt of the letters in different directions, imitating the font of a schoolboy.

Inside the heart is the author of the drawing with his brother and, thanks to the explanatory comment, the reader perceives the serviceman as a worthy family man, a father of two children with a big and loving heart, and the Italian flag, painted by a child's hand, confirms that the fighter belongs to the Italian Armed Forces. Grass and sky often express the idea of freedom, joy and balance in children's images.

In our example, the symbolic function is realized by drawings of hearts, smiles of children and tricolor, which convey the love and respect of children for people in uniform, the expectation of their speedy return home. The function of creating an image is realized by presenting service in the Armed Forces with children's eyes, as well as the image of an exemplary family man, a loving father and husband who stands in the ranks and performs combat missions for the benefit of the motherland.

Accordingly, we see a combination of an attractive, expressive, illustrative and symbolic function.

Conclusion

The linguistic and pragmatic analysis of the research material made it possible to study the content and semantic integrity of the creolized text of the calendars of the Italian Land Forces, and the synthesis made it possible to draw general conclusions about the pragmatic function of its semiotically heterogeneous components.

In the analyzed examples, we saw a combination of attractive, expressive, symbolic and illustrative functions. And although the iconic and verbal components themselves do not perform the function of creating an image, based on our research, we can conclude that in calendars with creolized content there is a distribution of pragmatic functions between the message and the picture, which, in the aggregate perception, contributes to the creation of a positive image of the Italian army, which is the main task of the authors of the text.

^[1] Here and further, our translation is S. Z.

^[2] Salendesercito, 2018, p. 15.

^[3] CalendEsercito, 2014, p. 5.