Textual Analysis Of English

There is two parts in this book, Part One, ‘Theoretical Preliminaries’ gives a general idea of what stylistics involves. It presents a set of techniques applicable to the description of any piece of language, and discusses various theoretical concepts necessary for classifying the varieties of language into types. English is the focus of the discussion, but it is felt that the techniques could be generalized to other languages. In chapter two ‘Linguistic Description’, they explain two models of linguistic description used in this book: models of non-segmental phonology and grammar. They use symbolization of non-segmental features to allow people to deduce the way in which the spoken discourse was spoken. They give symbolization for different

They analyze the language of conversation, unscripted commentary, religion, newspaper reporting, and legal documents. They have tried to maintain balance between spoken and written materials, to present a range of usage running from the most to the least familiar and concentrate attention on those varieties which have been largely ignored. The first extract, the language of conversation was an appropriate choice with which to begin, because it is the variety which is most familiar to most speakers. Then they move on to spoken commentary, which provides a clear illustration of the wide range of vocal effects available in English. Then in chapter six they investigate the language of religion where both speech and writing have their own distinctive parts to play. In chapter seven they investigate the linguistic features of journalese. In chapter eight, they provide an analysis to legalese which is further removed from conversation than any other. Each chapter is followed by exercises designed to raise points not dealt with in the body of the chapter. The final chapter presents suggestions for further analysis. By examining this book we come to the conclusion that Stylistics is not concerned solely with literary language, nor is it concerned directly with evaluation, with personal opinion about the way language is being used from the view point of enjoyment. Stylistics aims hopefully to give a more objective basis for comprehension, appreciating and sharpening this response. Stylistic analysis, when done properly, has as its end the clarification of the full meaning and potential of language in use. Therefore, the purpose of this book is to consider about one possible technique whereby the mass of linguistic patterning can be reduced to a more understandable shape for the attainment of this