Attention Modulation in Reading: An analysis of Cognitive Dynamics through Stories in English Literature and Linguistics
In this book, authors look at how our brains work when we read things, since so much of what we read could influence where our attention goes or where its impact lands—from the narrative structure of the text to linguistic elements, to more experiential aspects like emotional engagement and cognitive load (all of which will be covered in greater detail later in the chapters). The Book incorporates theory from cognitive science, linguistics, and literary studies in an exploration of how these pieces work together to understand reading comprehension. Utilizing qualitative and quantitative methods, experimental designs, and analyses of literary texts, the book examines these complex relationships. Lastly, the text affords the reader considerations of ethics and implications for future research and applications to education and publishing.
Dr. Ausima Sultan: Dr. Ausima Sultan is a linguist and researcher with a PhD in Linguistics and Literature, specializing in Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), Multimodal CDA, Corpus Linguistics, and advanced Research Methodologies. Currently, she serves as the Head of the Department of Humanities and Sciences at the Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad. Her research focuses on the intersection of language, power, and society, employing cutting-edge analytical frameworks to examine discourse in various social, political, and institutional contexts. Dr. Sultan’s work in Critical Discourse Analysis is well-regarded, particularly in exploring how language shapes ideologies and reinforces power dynamics. Her expertise in Multimodal CDA extends this analysis to visual and multimedia texts, offering a more comprehensive understanding of communication in today’s digital landscape. Additionally, she leverages Corpus Linguistics to conduct large-scale empirical studies, enabling her to identify patterns and trends in language use across diverse corpora. In addition to her academic leadership, Dr. Sultan is an active researcher and contributor to the field of linguistics. She frequently presents her work at international conferences and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, advancing the understanding of discourse analysis and language studies. As a registered trainer with the National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF), she applies her research to practical settings, conducting workshops on language use and communication strategies for professionals in the banking sector. Dr. Sultan also leads IST’s Harassment Complaint Cell, where she applies her research on institutional discourse to address issues related to harassment and gender equality. Trained by Mehrgarh on the Protection of Women against Harassment at the Workplace Act 2010, she has overseen the cell since 2012, ensuring compliance with legal frameworks and promoting a respectful work environment. Through her work in both academia and institutional development, Dr. Sultan remains committed to the advancement of linguistics research and its application to social justice and policy reform.
Dr. Naeem Fatima : Associate Professor, College of Flying Training, PAF Academy Asghar Khan, Risalpur. Email: fatimabeena1@cae.nust.edu.pk Dr. Naeem Fatima is an accomplished academic with significant contributions to education and training at the PAF Academy Asghar Khan. With a robust research portfolio, she focuses on advanced pedagogical strategies and leadership in educational settings, driving excellence in training and development.
For all those curious minds who wants to know how our brains work when we read things