Notes for AQA AS English

Chapter 1: Introduction to Oxford AQA AS English

  • Audience: The readers or listeners of a text.

  • Importance in analysis (Paper 1, Section A) involving audience, purpose, genre, and mode.

  • Example: "The audience this text was aimed at is… we can infer that from…"

  • Purpose: The reason for creating a text.

  • Used in analysis questions for Paper 1, Section A alongside audience, genre, and mode.

  • Example: "The creator's purpose is… we can infer that from…"

  • Genre: A type of text defined by its purpose and features.

  • Examples include Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, etc.

  • Example analysis: "The genre of this text is… we can infer that…"

  • Mode: Refers to the medium of communication (speech vs. writing).

  • Multimodal: Combines multiple modes (e.g., text with images).

  • Example: "The text is multimodal, with modes such as…"

  • Sociolinguistics: The study of language and social factors.

  • Aspects of language use, such as:

    • Express Identity: Language reflects professional identities.
    • Signal Relationships: Language can be formal or informal.
    • Mark Group Membership: Language can indicate belonging or exclusion.
    • Express Power and Status: Language can assert authority and influence behaviour.
    • Play and Entertain: Language can be used creatively for enjoyment.

  • Intertextuality: A text related to another, creating layered meanings.

  • Discourse: Language in its context; different "discourses" reflect various ways of discussing topics.

Chapter 2: Language Levels Framework

  • Phonetics and Phonology: Study of the sound system; articulation and abstract sound structures.
  • Lexis and Semantics: Vocabulary study and meaning at word/phrase levels.
  • Pragmatics: Contextual language aspects, implied meanings, and inferred messages.
  • Discourse: Longer communication stretches across genres and contexts.
  • Graphology: Visual text designs (e.g., fonts, colors).
  • Grammar: Language structure, syntax, and morphology.

Key Concepts in Phonetics and Phonology

  • A phonemic alphabet aids in sound representation reflecting pronunciation.
  • Received Pronunciation (RP): An accent associated with high social status.
  • Prosody: Voice melody through rhythm and intonation.
  • Paralanguage: Vocal expression aspects (e.g. laughter, whispers).
  • Non-Verbal Behavior: Body language (gestures, expressions).

Chapter 3: Language and Context

  • Importance of context (where and when) in determining a text’s meaning.
  • Multimodal texts combine visuals and written language; analyze both for comprehensive understanding.
  • Audience construction: The text-specific language that frames audience perception.

Language and Social Groups

  • Language Power and Persuasion: Language as a tool for achieving various social functions.
  • Language Play: Utilization of language for creative and playful communication.
  • In analyzing language, consider how language serves to exert power or facilitate interaction in social contexts.

Language, Gender, and Social Expectations

  • Discussion and analysis of how language reflects and constructs gender identities.
  • Investigate differences in language use among genders; research indicates men and women may communicate differently due to societal conditioning.
  • Influence of gender on language extends into formal and informal contexts, impacting workplace dynamics and conversations.

Language and Occupation

  • Occupational lexis includes specialized vocabulary unique to specific contexts.
  • Discourses vary based on the context and roles within occupational settings.
  • Pragmatics within a workplace emphasizes the shared understanding and inferred meanings among colleagues.