Explorations on emotional mutual background knowledge in communication: a cognitive approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is the unveiling of the emotional chunks apparent in global knowledge, as well as finding the interplay of emotions on emotional memory and background knowledge and viewing the problem from a linguo-cognitive perspective. Design/methodology/approach To reveal the impact of positive/negative emotional memory of the interactants and its influence on communication processes, quantitative and qualitative research approach has been applied based on primary and secondary data. Findings The analysis of the factual material has enabled the authors to claim that though negative emotions are stamped in the background memory more intensely than positive ones, positive emotions too have the potential of having a positive influence on the development of interpersonal relations. Research limitations/implications People do not always communicate with each other explicitly, and it often becomes a challenge to grasp the implicit meaning, the hidden thoughts and intentions of the speaker, which are not vividly expressed in speech. Practical implications Only those pieces of information should be omitted in the process of communication, which the speaker is sure to be perceived by the listener(s) based on their mutually shared background knowledge. Social implications If both the speaker and the hearer are aware of the immense role of emotional background knowledge, then we stand a better chance of becoming better communicators, which will help us build better societies. Originality/value This study is a comprehensive paper on the interplay of emotions and rationality being regarded as the overall basis of the functioning of higher cognitive processes forming the basis of emotional knowledge.