Irony and textuality

Abstract

This article delves into the intriguing realm of irony, a distinctive form of communication that has sparked interest and debates across various fields. Linguistic scholars have dedicated themselves to understanding the paradoxical nature of irony, challenging traditional linguistic approaches and prompting in-depth investigations within specific areas of study. Brait’s (2008) dialogical analysis emphasizes the interplay of discourses, intersecting with intertextual phenomena. Prioritizing Linda Hutcheon’s (2000) perspective, the article focuses on integrating irony within the sociocultural context, emphasizing intertextual aspects. The objective is to discuss irony not merely as a linguistic phenomenon but as a complex interplay of textual, interactional, and discursive elements. Approaching irony under the condition of sarcasm, the study advocates for a linguistically-textual analysis that respects the entire communicative scene. Linda Hutcheon’s criteria, such as critical edge, referential complexity, ascribed intentionality, communicative contract, and intertextual markers, are redefined for this purpose. In conclusion, the study aims to demonstrate that irony necessitates a comprehensive understanding within the linguistic-textual circuit, avoiding reductionism and emphasizing its role within the broader context of communication.