Cross Llinguistic Semantics
2. CROSS-LINGUISTIC SEMANTICS
Cross-linguistic semantics studies the ways different languages are structured, and thus how meaning is expressed differently in them (Goddard, 2008: abstract on cover page) deals with investigating how languages package and express meanings differently. Cross-linguistic research and comparison is often conducted using a linguistic theory named the NSM (Natural Semantic Metalanguage) system, which was developed by Anna Wierzbicka.
The NSM system is a decompositional one, which means it breaks down complex units into parts which are easier to study and understand. The NSM breaks down languages to established universal semantic primes or “simple indefinable meanings” (Goddard, 2008: 1), simply put as words, whose
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According to Jackendoff, as explained in Cross-linguistic semantics (Goddard, 2008: 2), the NSM approach has caused linguistics to slowly turn away from the narrow English-based “syntacticocentrism”, favouring semantic and typological studies instead, as well as being a useful approach in disciplines such as anthropology, cultural psychology, evolutionary psychology, and …show more content…
Meaning of a case is a radial network with a central or literal, which is further linked to other meanings - metaphorical, metonymical or antonymic.
The dative of possession (referred to as DP in the following text) is a means of expressing the attributive possession. The dative of possession is not a purely Slavic phenomenon – it appears in many languages that have grammatical cases, as well as it being absent from some Slavic languages and widespread in others. The term “possessive” can be deceptive, considering that possessive expressions are not always used only for relationships which involve possession in the sense of ownership, but a wider array of relationships (Šarić, 2002).
The three basic values of possessives are ownership, kinship terms and part-whole relations (Šarić, 2002). The notion of possession is also further divided into alienable and inalienable possession. Inalienable possession is a type of possession where a noun/an object is obligatorily possessed by its possessor. Nouns and objects in this kind of possessive relationship cannot exist independently or be “alienated” from its possessor; inalienable nouns include body parts, kinship terms and part-whole relations. Moreover, alienable possession is used for objects that may or may not be possessed, and is mostly used for tangible items that can slip one’s
Summary Of William Lutz's The World Of Doublespeak
270 Words | 2 PagesIn his essay “The World of Doublespeak,” William Lutz define doublespeak as “a blanket term for language which makes the bad seem good, the negative appear positive, the unpleasant attractive, or at least tolerable” (2013). Lutz goes on to claim “It is language which avoids, shifts, or denies responsibility” (2013). He explains the purpose of doublespeak is to “mislead, distort, deceive, inflate” (2103). Based on many of his examples, such as wording an airplane as an airplane that has had “uncontrolled contact with the ground,” or referring to a city slum as the resident of the “fiscal underachievers,” I feel he may overstate his own definition of doublespeak. While, the play on words in these examples does attempt to deceive the read and
ESSA Rhetorical Analysis
288 Words | 2 PagesThose who were responsible for crafting essa ESSA sought to shift the focus from federal accountability and oversight to more local and state-based control; under President Obama’s waiver program, CCSSI and RTT initiatives, the direction of education policy was one on increased federal control over education. An oft-quoted Wall Street Journal editorial claimed that ESSA would represented, “the largest devolution of federal control to the states in a quarter-century.” Chairman of the House Education and the Workforce Committee John Kline further billed ESSA as a rejection of the “Washington-knows-best approach to education” and touted ESSA as “the kind of responsible education reforms the American people want and deserve.” While the rhetoric
The Horizontal World Rhetorical Analysis
70 Words | 1 PagesAuthor, Debra Marquart, in the excerpt from “The Horizontal World” claims her love toward North Dakota, where she lived. Marquart’s purpose is to convince the audience that where she grew up is unique for plenty of reasons. Marquart uses a worthy and strong tone in hope to appeal to the readers understanding of the midwest. Marquart uses remarkable allusions, diction, and logos, in which to portray the midwest as
Cisneros Figurative Language Summary
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Haas And Flower Rhetorical Analysis
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Grasping Rhetorical Modes
207 Words | 1 PagesGrasping the many rhetorical modes Reading through this article on the rhetorical modes admittedly helped simplify the different rhetorical forms that can be used for writing in aspects of life and not just school work. As I read through the articles I began to feel more comfortable with the diverse forms of writing therefore, knowing these vast forms of writing, will not only help to better understand what the author is trying to say in any given writing, but, also help with confidently know which direction to take when composing my own literary work. Like the handout states, these different rhetorical forms of writing are, simply put, descriptions of a way to put information together so that it can be effortlessly understood by the conveyed
Character Analysis: Their Eyes Were Watching God
1262 Words | 6 PagesPrompt: How does the possession of an object reveal certain characteristics that an individual carries ? Growing up, many children attach themselves to an object such as a blanket or a stuffed animal. These objects give the child comfort and serenity when in an environment in to which he or she is not accustomed. Author’s use rhetorical devices such as figurative language and symbols in order to help reveal certain characteristics pertaining to one’s identity.
A Rhetorical Situation Analysis
102 Words | 1 PagesIntroducing me to recruiters is a rhetorical situation. The rhetorical situation is different from school, because it needs more professional explanations on why I desire the job and how I can make more contributions to the company. Introducing me to recruiters is more difficult than I deliver a speech at a school, because the audiences have a more strict evaluation standard than teachers’ standard. Audiences need to know my real work competencies, communication skills and what benefits that I can produce, and they are professional and rigid. I want to obtain their attentions, making them know that I am an excellent applicant.
The Shawl Louise Erdrich Analysis
497 Words | 2 PagesAfter the owner of the shawl’s apparent death, the father “truly did not care if he was alive or dead” (Erdrich 392). The father’s mentality broke, he keeps the shawl as a memento for his sister, but it also led to a drinking problem and his children avoiding him. By holding onto this symbol, the father binds himself to his childhood dilemma. The narrator readies himself to convince his father of what he has been doing to his family. The narrator then claims that keeping a deceased person’s possession is unwise.
Five Cognate Strategies From The Three Rhetorical Elements
533 Words | 3 PagesFive Cognate Strategies from the Three Rhetorical Elements I have chosen five of the nine cognate strategies to dissect and represent in this assignment. In my consideration of the available topics, I strove to include cognate strategies from each of the rhetorical elements (logos, ethos, and pathos). My emphasis strongly leans toward logos (logic), thus all three logos-related cognate strategies are represented here (clarity, conciseness, arrangement), followed by an ethos(ethics)-related cognate strategy (reference) and a pathos(emotional appeal)-related cognate strategy (tone). First Cognate Strategy: Clarity Clarity, as a cognate strategy, is one of the three logos (logic) strategies which refers to clear and simple phrasing to foster understanding in the reader. In my own formal writing, particularly in essay writing, I strive to be as clear as possible, without sacrificing academic vocabulary.
Rhetorical Precis
313 Words | 2 PagesRhetorical Precis “Startling Finds on Teenage Brains” The author Paul Thompson in the article, “Startling Finds on Teenage Brains,” explains that teen brains losses brain tissues in the areas of controlling impulses, risk-taking, and self-control, showing that teens are not yet adults, and the legal system (court system) should treat them as such. Thompson supports his argument by first describing a crime that a young teen did, Brazill of thirteen years killed his teacher on a middle-school without real intentions to kill him, but the jurors found guilty Brazill and they treat him as an adult in the sense of punishment. Many people protested against this unfair action saying that "A child is not a man." He then shows some searches about
Figurative Language In Look Both Ways By Jason Reynolds
803 Words | 4 PagesMany individuals have mixed feelings and emotions in life. There can be times when life can be draining and rough, but throughout all of this, everybody has felt the same way. In the novel “Look Both Ways” by Jason Reynolds, these hardships are widely displayed. Jason Reynolds writes about 10 different kids with a different perspective on society. Each of the kids has different difficulties and troubles they have to go through.
Ownership And Self Identity Essay
486 Words | 2 PagesUnlike Aristotle, Plato argues that owning objects can cause harm to a person’s character. Nowadays, in today’s society, image is everything and social classes are based on how much you own and identity is based on image. At the end of the day, object’s can be taken away from you, and can be harmful when someone becomes too interested in what others think and try to keep up the image that is created by others. As for Aristotle, tangible items have the ability to help develop character. This could go for people who have more of a religious faith.
Material Vs Nonmaterial Culture
778 Words | 4 PagesIt’s fascinating to do a contrastive analysis of material and nonmaterial culture, together with exploring sociological factors that unknowingly shape my life. As it kind of offers an insight into the world around me, and opens my eyes to those unnoticed patterns which exist in my society. Hence, let’s discuss these areas in depth next. First and foremost, the big difference between material and nonmaterial culture is: whether tangible or invisible. The former refers to man-made things that people not only give a meaning to them, but also assign a function or value, whereas the latter encompasses abstract ideas and implicit forms of social interaction.
Stratification Theory Late Adulthood Development
821 Words | 4 PagesObjects, things and even places become precious as a way to hold on to identity that has been there for quite some
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