The Elements of Metacommunication in Whereabouts

Abstract

The present study is based on the theoretical framework of metacommunication. Metacommunication takes
place when a linguistic text generates indirect or ulterior meaning. In a literary text such as poetry or fiction,
which thrives on metacommunication, there are several ways of conveying meaning without using explicit
statements of facts and feelings. in fact, the more a literary work suggests than it describes or conceals than it
reveals, the more it appeals to the readers. In other words, the beauty of a literary work lies in its implications
than direct information. Therefore, all great literary texts have in them combined elements of
metacommunication. From action patterns of characters to the instrumental music in the background, many
aspects of a fictional work can feature several elements of metacommunication. The literary text selected for
the present study is Whereabouts, the latest novel authored by Jhumpa Lahiri, a renowned fictionist. First, an
attempt has been made to identify all the elements of metacommunication in the selected text. Second, an indepth analysis of those elements has been done with citation of textual evidences using the Discourse/ Content
analysis method.