Genre as a Conceptual Tool

Abstract

My paper is a metatheoretical reflection upon genre as a conceptual and taxonomic tool. Whether we refer to its semantic values (which describe the “spirit’, “vision’ or “mode’ of the texts) or the syntactic ones (which analyse the structuring laws and functions), genre is, essentially, a socio-discursive contract and a user’s guide to cultural artefacts. My research is particularly interested in a conceptual history of emancipation and resistance, investigating the complex ways in which genre proves its anti-fragility, resisting change and adapting to the 20th century critical paradigms.