Sociolinguistics: Key Concepts and Definitions
Unit 1: Foundations of Sociolinguistics
Analytic Language: Words are one syllable long with no affixes; function is determined by word order. Example: Chinese.
Black English Vernacular: Non-standard English spoken in U.S. Black communities, influenced by Creole languages.
Borrowing: Spread of words or phrases across languages due to contact, dominance, or prestige.
Communicative Competence: Dell Hymes’ concept of appropriate language use in context.
Dialect: Language variation by region, affecting vocabulary,
Read MoreText Analysis: Capability, Characteristics, and Appraisal
Capability Analysis and Synthesis
1. Capability Analysis and Synthesis (3 points PAU)
- 1.1. Theme and Summary (1.5 points):
- Identify the theme (0.5 points).
- Provide a brief summary of the text’s contents (1 point).
- 1.2. Organizational Structure (1.5 points):
- Divide the text into paragraphs and identify the main ideas.
- Define the text’s parts (introduction, development, conclusion).
- Determine the organizational structure (expository, argumentative, narrative sequences).
- Identify the argumentative strategy
Oscar Wilde: Life, Plays, and Aestheticism
Oscar Wilde: A Literary Icon
Oscar Wilde was an Irish playwright, journalist, novelist, essayist, and poet. Born in Dublin in 1854 and passing away in 1900, he rose to prominence as one of the most popular playwrights of the 1890s.
Wilde’s Aesthetic and Political Views
Wilde’s aesthetics and politics were marked by a disdain for the ordinary and an unwavering obsession with beauty, form, and style. He championed aestheticism, advocating for “Art for art’s sake.” He also embraced dandyism, showcasing
Read MoreDiachronic Linguistics: Language Evolution
Diachronic Linguistics: How Languages Evolve
Diachronic Linguistics is concerned with:
- How languages change
- The processes that trigger the change
- The reasons for the changes
Two main issues dominated the early course of historical linguistics:
- Synchronic irregularity (hope-hoped vs. keep-kept)
- Cross-language similarities (why related languages have similar, although not identical, forms)
The Comparative Method and Language Reconstruction
The Comparative Method was used to establish the relationship between
Read MoreRealism and Naturalism in 19th-20th Century Literature
Realism and Naturalism in Literature
Realism (Second Half of the 19th Century)
Realism emerged in Europe, particularly Spain, during the second half of the nineteenth century. Its development coincided with the rise of the bourgeoisie. Key features include:
- Objectivism: Writers aimed for an accurate portrayal of reality.
- Verisimilitude: Plots and characters were designed to be believable, mirroring everyday life.
- New Protagonist: Protagonists were often collective groups or individuals modeled on everyday
Expository and Argumentative Texts: Structure
Expository Texts
Exposition: A type of oral or written text that presents information, ideas, and concepts that have some complexity. Its purpose is to convey information faithfully and accurately and must be made with order, clarity, and simplicity. Exposition is sometimes mixed with argumentation, but it is different because it does not try to convince anyone. Therefore, it should use an objective tone.
Structure of Expository Texts
The basic structure of expository texts is:
- Introduction: The topic