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

Spanish Novel: Mid-20th Century Transformation

The evolution of the novel in the last decades of the twentieth century saw the social novel depleted in the 1960s with the publication in 1962 of Tiempo de silencio by Luis Martín-Santos. This work initiated a new stage in Spanish narrative.

This period involved a formal renewal of the genre through experimentation with language and the search for complex structural lines, all without losing critical ability. Novelists abandoned the purely social approach, returning to the imagination and the narrator's insight. They also addressed the existential issue dominating the absurd nature of human life, thanks to the recovery of irrationality as seen in philosophical currents like existentialism and psychoanalysis.... Continue reading "Spanish Novel Evolution: Late 20th Century Literary Shifts" »

Understanding Literature: Definition and Core Elements

Definition of Literature

Literature is broadly defined as 'art that uses language as a tool, encompassing works focused on aesthetic elements.' It is a creative expression that transcends mere communication, delving into the beauty and power of words.

Elements of Literary Creation

Several key elements are involved in the creation and reception of a literary work:

• Author (Creator)

  The individual or collective mind behind the work. When writing in prose, the creator is typically called a writer; when writing in verse, a poet. Authors can be known or anonymous, a distinction that helps differentiate between contemporary and classical literature. Authorial consciousness, as we understand it today,

Workplace Fire Prevention Strategies

Implementing effective fire prevention measures is crucial for maintaining a safe work environment. Key strategies include:

• Clear Signage and Alarms: Ensure all fire safety signage is visible and alarms are functional.
• Maintain Order and Cleanliness: Keep workspaces tidy and free of clutter that could fuel a fire.
• Isolate Ignition Sources: Properly manage and isolate potential sources of ignition.
• Ensure Proper Ventilation: Maintain adequate ventilation, especially in areas with flammable materials.
• Regular Maintenance of Equipment: Conduct routine maintenance on all work equipment to prevent malfunctions.
• Implement Safe Work Practices: Develop and enforce appropriate work procedures to minimize fire risks.
• Provide

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" »