Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Language

Modern Descriptive Grammar

Descriptive grammar describes language as it is, not as it should be. It is based on a massive corpus of real English, both spoken and written, and it considers many structures that traditional grammar either ignored completely (e.g., determiners and verb complementation) or discussed only briefly (e.g., aspect and adverbial clauses). The first generation of descriptive grammars may be said to be the work of 'armchair grammarians', while only the current generation is corpus-based. Descriptive grammar, like other kinds of grammar, relies on structural analysis. It looks at syntax on many levels: morpheme, word, phrase, clause, sentence, and text.

Generative Grammar

Chomsky (1965) views language as an innate ability that... Continue reading "Descriptive, Generative, and Systemic Functional Grammar" »

Reality and Symbolism in The House of Bernarda Alba

It appears that The House of Bernarda Alba was inspired by real events. The Alba family existed, and the author observed them in 1935.

The house's furnishings suggest a typical Andalusian space: jute curtains with tassels and frills, cattail chairs, thick walls, and arched doorways. The house is characterized by its whiteness, which symbolically fades as the play progresses (the white room in the second act appears slightly bluish-white, and in the third act, it has a bluish tint).

Alongside the white, there is the black of mourning, equally real and symbolic: black dresses, black fans, etc. The contrast between white and black is accentuated in Act III, when Bernarda and Martirio appear in petticoats... Continue reading "Reality and Symbolism in The House of Bernarda Alba" »

Linguistic Concepts and Text Types

Core Linguistic Definitions

• Language: A communication tool used by speakers of the same linguistic community.
• Dialect: A form of a language specific to a particular region within its domain.
• Local Speech: Linguistic forms used within a specific district or locality.

Language Use Scenarios

• Diglossia: A situation where one language or dialect enjoys greater social and political prestige, dominating another within a community.
• Bilingualism: A situation where two languages are used with ease, and both enjoy similar prestige.

Textual Properties

Coherence

Coherence is a property of texts that ensures they are well-formed and unitary. Secondary ideas provide relevant information supporting the main idea, allowing the reader... Continue reading "Key Linguistic Concepts and Text Types Analysis" »

-A ceiling is defined as the height of the: LOWEST LAYER OF CLOUDS OR OBSCURING PHENOMENA ALOFT THAT IS REPORTED AS BROKEN OR OVERCAST

-A certificated commercial pilot who carries passengers for hire at night or in excess of 50 NM is required to have at least: AN INSTRUMENT RATING IN THE SAME CATEGORY AND CLASS OF AIRCRAFT.

-A characteristic of the stratosphere is: RELATEVILY SMALL CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE WITH AN INCREASE IN ALTITUDE

-A coded transponder equipped with altitude reporting capability is required in all controlled airspace: AT AND ABOVE 10000 FEET MSL EXCLUDING AT AND BELOW 2500 AGL

-A common type of ground or surface based temperature inversion is that which is produced by: GROUND RADIATION ON CLEAR, COOL NIGHTS WHEN THE WIND IS LIGHT

-... Continue reading "Lenguaje textual" »

First of all, Romanticism and the Journey of the Ancient Mariner

Romanticism is a cultural movement that originated with Wordsworth's publication of Lyrical Ballads in 1798 and ended with Lord Byron's death in 1824.

It is considered a reaction against the Age of Reason, also known as the Enlightenment. Romantic thinkers rejected rational thought and embraced irrationality instead.

Romanticism also seeks to answer the question, "Who am I?"

Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is a well-known poem that exemplifies Romanticism. It is included in Coleridge's influential book, "Biografia Literaria". The poem tells the story of a mariner and his crew who go sailing, but face punishment after the mariner kills an albatross.

The poem

Romanticism is a term used to refer to a cultural movement whose origins can be traced back to Wordsworth's publication, Lyrical Ballads, in 1798, and it comes to an end in 1924 with Lord Byron's death. It's considered to be a reaction to the Age of Reason and Enlightenment. Romantic thinkers preferred irrationality and attempted to answer big questions.

S. T. Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner": A Poem of Romanticism

S. T. Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is one of the most well-known poems associated with Romanticism. It is included in Biografia Literaria and tells the story of a mariner and his crew sailing, where the mariner kills an albatross and everyone is punished because of it.

Key Features of Romanticism in the

The Concluding Paragraph

The concluding paragraph is the final part of your essay. It summarizes the entire essay in a few sentences and offers a final perspective: a prediction, recommendation, solution, or personal opinion. It reminds the reader of the main ideas presented in the thesis statement and topic sentences, reinforces the argument, and ensures clarity.

Components of a Conclusion

1. Summary

The summary restates the key points of the thesis statement and the essay's body. Avoid simply repeating the same words used earlier. Useful transition phrases include "To sum up," "In conclusion," "To conclude," "I have considered," and "I have seen."

2. Predictions, Recommendations, Opinions, or Solutions

Following the summary, offer a concise prediction,... Continue reading "Crafting Effective Essay Conclusions" »

Reflections on Societal Manipulation

This article reflects on the delusions to which people are subjected by those in power and their habit of hiding the truth, resorting to silence when asked for explanations, especially when they are cornered.

Structure of the Text

The text is structured as a single paragraph in the form of an inductive exposition. The author initially presents a specific case (the trial judge "Matas") to introduce the broader topic: the delusions imposed by the powerful upon the people.

Linguistic Features of Opinion Journalism

The text exhibits several linguistic features characteristic of opinion journalism, particularly in the form of a column or op-ed:

• Subjectivity (Personal View): This is evident in various linguistic features,

Literary Text Analysis

Key Themes in Literary Works

• Truth: The extreme difficulty in accessing or finding the truth, often obscured by circumstances.
• Violence: The execution of crime, its pervasive presence in daily life, and its role in revenge.
• Honor: A mechanism of revenge used to restore one's reputation.
• Religion and Beliefs: The influence of religious codes and personal convictions.

Historical Timeframe and Narrative Structure

The historical timeframe is often brief (e.g., 24 hours), with events revisited years later (e.g., 23 years after a reunion). Narration may occur even further in the future (e.g., 27 years later).

Narrative Technique:

• Reconstruction of a story through a first-person witness narrator.
• Functions as an eyewitness, providing

Diversity of Reading Goals, Texts, and Ways of Reading: Impact and Implications for Teaching and Learning

A Time to Teach Reading

Teachers must take into account that reading is, above all, a **voluntary and enjoyable activity**. Children and teachers must be motivated to learn and teach reading. We must also assess reading as a tool for learning, information, and enjoyment. Reading should not be competitive. We read with them, setting achievable goals for different texts. The child must be motivated. We know that learning to read is complex, but we also know the capacity of children.

Encouraging Reading

To encourage reading, choose texts that will provide achievable challenges. We read in fragments. Each day, a child reads aloud (to verify their... Continue reading "Enhancing Reading Skills: Goals, Texts, and Teaching Strategies" »