Document Type : Original Article
Author
Department of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
In traditional pragmatics, the "Cooperative Principle" is emphasized as the cornerstone of successful communication; however, mystical language often employs seemingly contradictory strategies such as "deliberate misunderstanding." This study investigates the phenomenon of deliberate misunderstanding within mystical discourse through the lens of Socio-Cognitive Pragmatics (SCA). The aim is to elucidate the formation, functions, and influencing factors of deliberate misunderstanding in the verbal interactions of mystics by qualitatively analyzing a collection of mystical texts and dialogues from the 4th to 7th centuries. Deliberate misunderstanding arises from a complex interplay of "linguistic" (polysemy, resonance), "cognitive" (differences in levels of understanding, presuppositions, and beliefs), and "social" (goals and intentions, socio-cultural positioning, and power relations) factors. Findings reveal that this phenomenon is not merely a communication breakdown but a strategic tool for mystics to enhance the cognitive load of conversations, occurring based on two key factors: "salience" and "egocentrism." The implications and functions of deliberate misunderstanding in mystical language include redirecting discourse, indirect teaching, neutralizing threats, exhibiting spiritual authority, cultural-identity resistance, challenging established beliefs, and reshaping conceptual frameworks.
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