inner-textural analysis

Christian Alexander

I know Vernon Robbins is the founder of inner-textural analysis. I do not understand the method of doing this analysis. I know that this model assesses the text in terms of (a) repetitive-progression, (b) opening-middle-closing, (c) narrational, (d) argumentative, and (e) sensory-aesthetic. Can Logos Software help me do an inner textural analysis of John chapter 21?

Beloved Amodeo

I do not understand the method of doing this analysis.

Neither do I. I admit that I know nothing about this author or his method, but your mention of him got me doing what you should do, thinking and investigating.

In doing just that I found that he is a major proponent of the socio-rhetorical method of analysis and his writings reflect this bias. In researching the term you introduced, I found a writing relevant to your proposal: Poon_JBPL_V1No1.pdf 

Logos has one resource available by the author, which I suggest you skim or read.

https://www.logos.com/product/37512/who-do-people-say-i-am-rewriting-gospel-in-emerging-christianity 

I plugged the author's name into my journals from decades 90s, 200s, and 201s and it returned 112 hits from 97 articles. You can do the same. Feeding "inner-textural analysis" gave me no results?! This is interesting. My library of journals is composed mainly of the Galaxie journals, but I have others.

At your level questions should engage a method of inquiry that results in relevant material. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and interests. Happy New Year.

Edit: Plugging in "inner texture" I got 33 hits in 20 articles from the journals I mentioned above. Plugging Vernon K. Robbins into an All Books search in my Library gave 333 hits in 269 articles.

MJ. Smith

First try to get an answer from a chat-bot e.g. Bard. Using the prompt "Please summarize what Vernon Robbins means by inner-textural analysis. How does it relate to discourse analysis?" I get:

[quote]

Inner-textural analysis in Vernon Robbins' work

In Vernon Robbins' framework of socio-rhetorical criticism, inner-textural analysis dives deep into the internal workings of a text, focusing on its linguistic features and how they create meaning. It's like examining the intricate threads and patterns woven into a tapestry, but instead of physical fabric, it's the tapestry of words and language.

Here's what Robbins emphasizes about inner-textural analysis:

• Examining language elements: This includes words, word patterns, voices, structures, literary devices, and writing modes. Analyzing how these elements work together is crucial to understanding the text's message and impact.
• Identifying textural patterns: Robbins identifies six key sub-textures within inner texture: repetitive, progressive, narrational, opening-middle-closing, argumentative, and sensory-aesthetic. Recognizing these patterns allows us to see how the text builds momentum, shapes information, and creates emotional responses.
• Contextualizing meaning: Inner-textural analysis isn't done in isolation. Robbins stresses the importance of considering the outer layers of a text, like its intertextual references, social and cultural context, and ideological influences. Inner texture provides the foundation for building these connections.

Connection to discourse analysis

Discourse analysis also examines language in use, but with a broader focus on how language interacts with social contexts and power dynamics. While inner-textural analysis focuses on the intrinsic features of a text, discourse analysis takes a more outward-looking approach, considering the text's purpose, audience, and the wider social fabric it is embedded in.

There's a clear connection between the two:

• Inner-textural analysis lays the groundwork: By understanding the internal workings of a text, its rhetorical strategies, and how meaning is constructed, we gain valuable tools for discourse analysis.
• Discourse analysis provides context: Applying discourse analysis frameworks to a text analyzed through inner-texture helps us connect it to the broader social and cultural forces at play. This enriches our understanding of the text's impact and significance.

In essence, inner-textural analysis offers a close-up lens to dissect the language within a text, while discourse analysis widens the scope to examine how that language functions within its social and cultural context. Both approaches are valuable for uncovering the richness and complexity of communication.

I hope this summary clarifies Vernon Robbins' concept of inner-textural analysis and its connection to discourse analysis. If you have any further questions or want to discuss specific examples, feel free to ask!

In this particular case, Vernon K. Robbins - Wikipedia does not provide much assistance but does confirm it fits into socio-rhetorical criticism rather than discourse analysis as I had guessed.