Semantic Changes in the Dialogic Discourse of Literary Texts

Abstract

This study is motivated by the need to understand how semantic shifts occur within the fluid environment of modern literary texts. It is hypothesized that semantic changes, specifically broadening and narrowing, are not merely structural linguistic shifts but are dynamic phenomena driven by the interaction between speaker and listener in real-time communication. The primary purpose of this research is to analyze the functional and discursive capacities of language that allow for these shifts. To achieve this, the study employs qualitative linguistic analysis and discourse analysis of dialogic exchanges in literary works. The findings indicate that words in dialogue transcend fixed lexical meanings, acquiring pragmatic and emotional nuances that create multi-layered interpretations based on context. The research concludes that dialogic discourse serves as the primary environment for semantic evolution. By highlighting the role of communicative intent in meaning-making, this study offers a fresh perspective on semantic flexibility, demonstrating that linguistic units are inherently adaptable within social and literary frameworks.