Vague Language, Elasticity Theory and the Use of 'Some': A Comparative Study of L1 and L2 Speakers in Educational Settings

ISBN-13: 9781350029590 / Angielski / Twarda / 2018 / 216 str.

Grace Qiao Zhang; Nhu Nguyet Le

Opis

This book is one of the first comprehensive and pragmatic studies of how the word 'some' works in English. It highlights the elastic nature of 'some', which underpins the ways the word is able to perform a wide range of pragmatic functions. The book is formed around three sets of naturally-occurring classroom data: L1 speakers of American English, Chinese-speaking learners of English, and Vietnamese-speaking learners of English. The data analysis adopts a modern, mixed methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative analyses. The studies find that the two L2 groups had similar frequency distribution patterns in the use of 'some' which were opposite to its use by the L1 group. L2 speakers use more 'some' than L1 speakers: ultimately, the Chinese and Vietnamese speakers are vaguer than the American speakers. The consequences of this are fully explored.The use of 'some' is explained effectively by Elasticity Theory (Zhang, 2011, 2015), consisting of three principles: fluidity, stretchability, and strategy. 'Some' is fluid and stretchable between being a quantifier or a qualifier, having positive or negative meanings, and having local and global interpretations. There is overlap among the pragmatic functions of 'some' in order to meet different and complex needs of communication. This study also finds evidence of the influence of speakers' language ability and cultural backgrounds on the use of 'some'. The findings are useful for language education, calling for attention to be paid to the teaching of elastic language to improve the language competence of L2 learners. This study adds important new resources for teachers' curriculum and references for students.