A Subject Language Model of 'Interpreting Representations in Their Intended Senses', IRIS

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Bibliographic Details
Title: A Subject Language Model of 'Interpreting Representations in Their Intended Senses', IRIS
Language: English
Authors: Anneli Dyrvold (ORCID 0000-0003-1055-6179), Judy Ribeck Nyström (ORCID 0000-0003-0597-1546)
Source: Designs for Learning. 2025 16(1):88-99.
Availability: Stockholm University Press. Stockholm University Library, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden. Web site: https://www.designsforlearning.nu
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 12
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: Models, Reading Comprehension, Ambiguity (Semantics), Textbooks, Reading Processes, Semiotics, Metacognition, Metalinguistics, Reflection, Language Arts, Jargon
ISSN: 1654-7608
2001-7480
Abstract: Understanding subject-specific texts requires interpreting representations--words, symbols, and images--in their intended senses. Many such representations are ambiguous, with meanings that shift depending on context and disciplinary conventions. This applies not only to words, for example, 'paper' in everyday versus academic usage, but also to symbols and images, like '--', that must be interpreted in different senses depending on context. This article introduces the "IRIS model" ("Interpreting Representations in their Intended Senses"), a theoretical framework designed to capture the interpretative processes readers engage in when navigating subject language. Unlike existing models that focus primarily on vocabulary, IRIS encompasses all semiotic resources and foregrounds the discernments needed to resolve ambiguity. Analytically, it supports text studies by making explicit the interpretative demands posed by subject-specific representations. Pedagogically, it offers a tool for fostering metacognitive and metalinguistic awareness, helping learners and educators reflect on the challenges involved in interpreting subject languages.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1489902
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:Understanding subject-specific texts requires interpreting representations--words, symbols, and images--in their intended senses. Many such representations are ambiguous, with meanings that shift depending on context and disciplinary conventions. This applies not only to words, for example, 'paper' in everyday versus academic usage, but also to symbols and images, like '--', that must be interpreted in different senses depending on context. This article introduces the "IRIS model" ("Interpreting Representations in their Intended Senses"), a theoretical framework designed to capture the interpretative processes readers engage in when navigating subject language. Unlike existing models that focus primarily on vocabulary, IRIS encompasses all semiotic resources and foregrounds the discernments needed to resolve ambiguity. Analytically, it supports text studies by making explicit the interpretative demands posed by subject-specific representations. Pedagogically, it offers a tool for fostering metacognitive and metalinguistic awareness, helping learners and educators reflect on the challenges involved in interpreting subject languages.
ISSN:1654-7608
2001-7480