Literary Interdisciplinary Research

Delving into "Deliberate Misunderstanding" in Mystical Language: A Pragmatic Perspective

Document Type : Original Article

Author

zeinab akbari

Department of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran

10.30465/lir.2025.49409.1893
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.

Keywords

Deliberate misinterpretation
pragmatics
egocentrism
salience
mystical language

Subjects

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