Describing the English Language Notes

A Language in Use

  • Rules and Styles: The language we use is governed by rules, styles, and constraints, which vary by medium (writing, texting, emailing).

  • Contextual Differences:

    • Text messaging (e.g., "thx 4 invite") tends to be informal with shortcuts.

    • Formal letters (e.g., "Thank you very much for inviting me") are fully written out.

    • Emails often mix formality and informality, with increasing acceptance of contractions and misspellings.

Choices in Language Use

  • Language Appropriateness: Choices depend on:

    • The message we want to convey.

    • The medium (e.g., speaking vs. writing).

    • The norms and structures typical for the medium.

    • Grammar and vocabulary available to express meaning.

Communication Example

  • Conversation Analysis: Linguist Peter Grundy illustrates how language can have a purpose beyond its literal meaning using a conversation about smoking:

    • Context: Stopping a student from smoking in a no-smoking zone.

    • Ambiguity in Meaning: The student's "Thanks very much" may imply acknowledgment or an apology.

Form and Meaning

  • Diverse Expressions: Different phrases convey similar meanings with nuanced distinctions.

    • Examples for future tense:

    • "I will arrive…" (simple fact)

    • "I'm arriving…" (scheduled arrangement)

    • "I’m going to arrive…" (intention).

  • Contextual Clarity: Context resolves ambiguities in language, making communication effective even when phrases have multiple meanings.

Language Purpose

  • Performative Verbs: Some verbs (e.g., "I promise") perform their action simply by being stated.

  • Language Functions: Statements can serve multiple purposes:

    • Inviting: "Would you like to come for coffee?"

    • Offering: "I'll do it if you want."

  • Purpose in Language Teaching: Understanding functions drives curriculum design.

Appropriacy and Register

  • Factors Influencing Language Use:

    • Setting: Different language styles in libraries vs. nightclubs.

    • Participants: Interaction varies based on social status, familiarity, and context.

    • Gender: Language use patterns differ between men and women.

    • Channel: Spoken and written communications vary significantly.

    • Topic: Vocabulary changes with discussion subjects.

    • Tone: The formality of language changes according to context and audience.

Language as Text and Discourse

  • Text: Defined as collections of words and utterances needs organization for effective communication.

    • Coherence: Texts must be logically ordered (e.g., proper sequence in narratives).

    • Cohesion: Repeated phrases and grammatical tools (like pronouns) link ideas.

Discourse Organization

  • Successful Text Requires:

    • Internal structure: Logical arrangement of ideas.

    • Lexical and grammatical cohesion through repetition and linking phrases.

Genre Recognition

  • Understanding Genre: Genres are recognizable structures, facilitating communication efficiency.

    • Diverse sub-genres exist within categories, affecting expectations (e.g., advertisements).

    • Not only form but also social qaction and process are essential for genre comprehension.

Grammar Awareness

  • Syntax: Rules define word order and sentence structure.

  • Morphology: Changes in word forms to express meaning change.

  • Grammatical Choices: Selecting appropriate verbs, nouns affects sentence construction.

Lexical Studies

  • Language Corpora: Computer analysis helps understand how words occur together (collocations).

  • Word Meaning: Context influences word interpretation; polysemy is common.

  • Metaphor and Idioms: Words take on extended meanings in different contexts.

Phonetics and Phonology

  • Sounds and Spelling: English vocabulary often doesn’t match phonetic spelling, making pronunciation tricky.

  • Stress and Intonation: Stress alters meaning; intonation conveys emotions and grammatical structures.

Paralinguistic Features

  • Communication Beyond Words: Voice modulation (volume and tone) and body language contribute significantly to conveying meaning.

Speaking vs Writing

  • Differences: Co-constructed nature of speech contrasts with the structured nature of writing.

  • Interactivity in Speech: Listeners actively participate, using support phrases and echoes to engage, which is absent in formal writing.

Implications for Language Teaching

  • Awareness of Medium Variations: Teaching should highlight language differences based on context, encouraging students to adapt their use appropriately.

  • Grammar and Meaning Relationship: Educators must help students develop the ability to recognize grammatical patterns.