Doctoral thesis

Interactivity as an argumentative cultural keyword in contemporary cyberculture

  • 2025
English This doctoral thesis investigates the word interactivity within contemporary cyberculture as a candidate for the status of a cultural keyword, exploring its meanings and the values associated with it. Through an interdisciplinary approach that spans linguistics, corpus analysis, and argumentation theory, the research delves into how interactivity shapes discourses, communication practices, and educational contexts, revealing the cultural beliefs it evokes. As a cumulative thesis, the four core papers comprising the research were carried out over two distinct periods, with each study contributing different and complementary insights into the cultural significance of interactivity. Utilizing analytical tools such as Congruity Theory and the Argumentum Model of Topics, this research examines corpora of ordinary discourse, investigating conceptual and emotive meanings of interactivity, as well as its presumed persuasive power in different contexts. Particular attention is given to the educational context, in which interactivity could be strategically employed to influence beliefs and attitudes, aiming to resolve communication challenges in distance education. The thesis also explores the Brazilian educational landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic, assessing the relevance of interactivity as a cultural keyword over time. The research demonstrates that interactivity functions as a polysemous and persuasive term, frequently evoking positive values. This persistent positive connotation also highlights its status as a cultural keyword in contemporary cyberculture, illustrating how interactivity shapes expectations and perceptions of technology and communication in everyday life. The research concludes by emphasizing the potential for further investigation into the evolving meanings of interactivity, particularly considering emerging technologies and cross-cultural studies. This ongoing exploration will provide valuable insights into how interactivity continues to impact discourse and social practices in our increasingly digital world.
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Language
  • English
Classification
Language, linguistics
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License undefined
Open access status
green
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Persistent URL
https://n2t.net/ark:/12658/srd1331853
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