Syntactic Variation


Book Description

This book was first published in 2010. The study of Romance languages can tell us a great deal about sentence structure and its variation in general. Focusing on the dialects of Italy - including the islands of Sardinia and Sicily - the authors explore three thematic areas: the nominal domain, the verbal domain and the left periphery of the clause. The book gives fresh attention to the dialects, arguing that they offer an unprecedented degree of variation (not found, for example, in Germanic languages). Analysing a host of data, the authors show how the dialects can be used as a test-bed for investigating and challenging received ideas about language structure and change. Coherent and wide-ranging, this is a vital resource for those working in syntactic theory, historical linguistics and Romance languages.




Syntactic Variation and Genre


Book Description

This volume explores the interplay of syntactic variation and genre. How do genres emerge and what is the role of syntax in constituting them? Why do certain constructions appear in certain types of text? The book takes the concept of genre as a reference-point for the description and analysis of morpho-syntactic variation and change. It includes both overviews of theoretical approaches to the concept of genre and text type in linguistics and studies of specific syntactic phenomena in English, German, and selected Romance languages. Contributions to the volume make use of insights from attempts for text classification and rhetorical views on genre and reach from quantitative, corpus-based methodology to qualitative, text-based analyses. The types of texts investigated cover spoken, highly interactive, and written forms of communication, including selected genres of computer-mediated communication. Corpus data come from both synchronic and diachronic linguistic corpora, such as LOB, Brown, FLOB, Frown, ARCHER, and ICE-Jamaica. This spectrum both in approaches and data is meant to provide a theoretical foundation as well as a realistic view of the inherent complexity of form-function relationships in syntax. At the same time, genre is treated as a category relevant beyond discourse studies, consisting of forms and conventions at all levels of linguistic analysis, including syntax. The book is therefore of interest to linguists and graduate students in the area of syntax, discourse analysis, and pragmatics, as well as to sociolinguists and corpus linguists working on register variation.







Sociolinguistic Variation


Book Description

Why does human language vary from one person, or one group, to another? In what ways does it vary? How do linguists go about studying variation in, say, the sound system or the sentence structure of a particular language? Why is the study of language variation important outside the academic world, in say education, the law, employment or housing? This book provides an overview of these questions, bringing together a team of experts to survey key areas within the study of language variation and language change. Covering both the range of methods used to research variation in language, and the applications of such research to a variety of social contexts, it is essential reading for advanced students and researchers in sociolinguistics, communication, linguistic anthropology and applied linguistics.




World Englishes – Problems, Properties and Prospects


Book Description

World Englishes is a vibrant research field that has attracted scholars from many different linguistic subdisciplines. Emphasizing the common ground of all research on World Englishes, the 22 articles in this collected volume, selected from more than a hundred papers presented at the 2007 conference of the International Association for World Englishes in Regensburg, cover a broad range of topics which together reflect the state of the art of research in this field. The volume focuses on regions as diverse as Africa, the Caribbean, the Antipodes and Asia, but also promotes a globally comparative perspective by analyzing selected characteristics of the English language across a wide range of varieties. Methodologically, a number of different approaches are applied, including corpus linguistic studies, socio-phonetics as well as historical discourse analysis. Due to its wide scope, the book is of interest not only to World Englishes scholars but also to sociolinguists as well as applied, contact or corpus linguists.




Syntactic Theory


Book Description

Marking a return to generative grammar in its original sense, this book focuses on the development of precisely formulated grammars whose empirical predictions can be directly tested. Problem solving is also emphasised.




The Handbook of English Linguistics


Book Description

The Handbook of English Linguistics is a collection ofarticles written by leading specialists on all core areas ofEnglish linguistics that provides a state-of-the-art account ofresearch in the field. Brings together articles from the core areas of Englishlinguistics, including syntax, phonetics, phonology, morphology, aswell as variation, discourse, stylistics and usage Written by specialists from around the world Provides an introduction to a key area of English Linguisticsand includes a discussion of the most recent theoretical anddescriptive research, as well as extensive bibliographicreferences




A Guide to Writing in English as a Second Or Foreign Language


Book Description

This bibliography offers English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) and English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) specialists and non-specialists a listing of almost 3,500 works in the field of writing in ESL/EFL, at all educational levels, from 1937 through 1993. It includes works focusing on how non-native speakers write in English, how they learn to write in English, how ESL and native-English-speaker (NES) compositions compare, how English is taught in contexts where it is used as a second or foreign language, and instructional materials developed to support writing in a second/foreign language. Citations include bibliographies, monographs, textbooks, periodicals, dissertations and some (unannotated) master's theses, conference papers, and Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) documents. An introductory section and a list of native languages addressed in the works precede the annotated entries. Author and subject indexes are also included. (MSE)




A Concise Introduction to Linguistics


Book Description

Provides a linguistic foundation for students of all majors Assisted by numerous pedagogical aids, A Concise Introduction to Linguistics, 4/e explains all concepts in a systematic way making complex linguistic topics as easy to learn as possible. This introductory title covers the core topics of linguistics, providing the information and concepts that will allow students to understand more detailed and advanced treatments of linguistics. This student-friendly and well-balanced overview of the field of introductory linguistics pays special attention to linguistic anthropology and reveals the main contributions of linguistics to the study of human communication and how issues of culture are relevant. Its workbook format contains well-constructed exercises in every chapter that allow students to practice key concepts.




The Directory of Language Categorization


Book Description

"The Directory of Language Categorization: A Framework for Unified Communication" is an essential guide that delves into the systematic organization of language, offering readers a comprehensive framework for enhancing communication across various fields and disciplines. Written by Ronald Legarski, a seasoned expert in language and communication, this book provides a deep exploration of how language can be categorized and applied to foster clearer, more cohesive communication in both personal and professional contexts. The book presents a meticulously structured approach to language, examining its evolution, categorization, and real-world application. From exploring the intricacies of etymology and phonetics to developing mnemonic systems for language learning, Ronald Legarski introduces a unified framework that simplifies the complexity of language, making it accessible to linguists, educators, translators, and professionals alike. In "The Directory of Language Categorization: A Framework for Unified Communication," readers will discover: The fundamentals of language categorization through alphabetical and hierarchical structures. Detailed explanations of etymology, phonetics, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Mnemonic techniques to aid in language learning and retention. Tools and strategies for achieving coherent communication across multiple languages and cultural contexts. Case studies that demonstrate the practical application of linguistic frameworks in education, translation, and technology. Drawing from his extensive experience as a linguist, content creator, and CEO of SolveForce, Ronald Legarski provides unique insights into the intersection of language and technology. His passion for understanding how words function within different contexts offers a fresh perspective on the essential role language plays in shaping our thoughts, interactions, and communication systems. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of language, whether for academic purposes, improving multilingual communication, or professional development. With its clear structure and practical examples, "The Directory of Language Categorization: A Framework for Unified Communication" serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to master the art of effective communication through a better understanding of language organization.