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

Pragmatics: The Study of Meaning and Language Use

Pragmatics is the study of the aspects of meaning and language use that are dependent on the speaker, the addressee, and other features of the context of utterance.

Context in Pragmatics

Linguistic Context

Linguistic context is the set of other words used in the same phrase or sentence to give an appropriate meaning.

Physical Context

Physical context refers to the setting of the conversation, including where it is taking place, what objects are present, what actions are occurring, and so forth.

Deixis

Deixis refers to words and phrases that cannot be fully understood without additional contextual information. Examples include:

• Person deixis (e.g., pronouns)
• Spatial deixis (e.g., here, there, near)
• Temporal

The Imagist Movement Defined

A movement in early 20th-century English and American poetry which sought clarity of expression through the use of precise images. The movement derived in part from the aesthetic philosophy of T. E. Hulme and involved Ezra Pound.

Analysis of Imagery

The brevity of this poem can be intimidating to analyze; after all, how much can a poet possibly convey in merely two lines? However, the shortness of this poem fits with its topic; when reading, the words flash by quickly, just as a subway speeds away from the platform in an instant. The doors open quickly, revealing a sea of faces, and then close again—the faces are gone after a fleeting glance. This poem's length and quick pace matches the constant motion of a train... Continue reading "Ezra Pound's Imagist Poem: Deconstructing 'In a Station of the Metro'" »

Problema con cliente En facturacion: A large group of pax was about to check in. The parents Were unable to control children and started quarrelling about passport. Their Baggage on the floor and the other pax got annoid. Dalal was asked to open and Finish the check in procedure.At first i refused to allow a passenger onto the flight as Check-in had closed previously. However, his wife was in labour and the captain To agree. Justyna was on duty and a passenger became abusive and Vident. Tadzio, who was on the next counter, defended her and hit face. As a Result, he was fait for two weeks. Although he recived from the passenger, he was Black listed and will not fly.///

Passenger security Regulations:

-Each passenger is Restricted to one item

Common Travel Actions

Going

English: Move from one place to another.

Spanish: Ir

Waiting Around

English: To remain in a place and not do anything until something expected happens.

Spanish: Esperar

Leaving

English: To go out of or away from, as a place.

Spanish: Partir

Coming

English: To approach or move toward someone or something.

Spanish: Venir

Unpacking

English: To remove over a length of time as in a place.

Spanish: Desempacar

Staying

English: To remain over a length of time as in a place or situation.

Spanish: Quedarse

Suffering From

English: To feel pain or great distress.

Spanish: Sufrir

Taking

English: To get into one's possession one's action.

Spanish: Agarrar

Creating

English: Make something from the beginning.

Spanish: Crear

Booking

English: To make a reservation... Continue reading "Essential Travel Vocabulary: English-Spanish Glossary" »

The Narrator's Voice in The Canterbury Tales

The pilgrim narrator in The Canterbury Tales, as in other narrative works (written in verse), speaks of what he has dreamed, read, or seen in a manner which the reader soon learns to recognize as characteristic—the author's own voice. The Chaucer of all these poems is a retiring, bookish man, with little first-hand experience of life, least of all in the great matter of love. He can therefore do no better than report faithfully what he dreams, reads, or observes of the world and its ways.

Often he is puzzled by what he finds, and at times he even apologizes for what he is forced (for some reason) to report. Since the "matter" of his stories is not of his own making, it cannot always be to his taste.... Continue reading "Chaucer's Canterbury Tales: Narrator, Context, and Enduring Legacy" »

1. Living by Your Own Rules

As a student, nothing makes you happier than living your life without being tied down by strict rules. Want to go for a short road trip? Go for it. Want to skip class for a movie? It is your choice. However, while this freedom is possible, it is not always advisable. Always keep in mind the consequences of your actions and play it safe.

In your professional life, however, you cannot act the same way. You are bound by responsibilities that require you to set clear boundaries for your actions and prioritize the important things in your life.

2. Long Breaks and Holidays

Student life offers blissful long breaks, ranging from a week to two whole months. Even better, during semester breaks, you are generally not tied down... Continue reading "Student Life vs Working Life: Key Differences Explained" »

I used to own a standard headset, but a few months ago, I got wireless headphones. Of the two earphones, I like the wireless headphones better for a couple of reasons.

Comfort and Portability

The wireless headphones are very comfortable and portable. They go with you everywhere, making them practical for daily use.

Affordability and Durability

While the wireless headphones are closer to $200, the standard earphones cost $40, making them more affordable. However, the wireless headphones need to be charged, unlike the standard earphones. Additionally, the standard earphones are manageable but not as durable as they claim to be.

Conclusion

Considering the comfort, portability, affordability, and durability, I believe that the wireless headphones are... Continue reading "Why Wireless Headphones are Better: A Comparison" »

Ursula K. Le Guin's Notable Work

• The Earthsea Quartet, first published in 1967.

J.K. Rowling's Impact on Fantasy Literature

• J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 1997. Rowling and Philip Pullman ushered in a new era, often called the "Second Golden Age," due to the resurgence and success of their fantasy sagas: Harry Potter and His Dark Materials.

Defining Literature

• Literature is an art form that conveys a message, engaging both the senses and emotions.

Features of Children's Literature

• Generally shorter in length.
• Emphasis on dialogue and action.
• Child-oriented language.

Literary Analytical Tools

• Setting: The time and place where the action occurs.
• Characters: These can be flat, round, heroes, villains, etc.
• Narrator: Can be 1st

Criseyde Criseyde’s Description: She is described both directly and indirectly. Directly: The author provides a written description of her physical appearance and personality. Indirectly: Criseyde's character is revealed through her actions. Psychologically, Criseyde is constantly developing throughout the work.

Goddess

She appears as a miracle, as if Troilus had seen her miraculously, which may relate Criseyde to something akin to a goddess, so close to perfection. Then, she is humanized, as she seems to suffer the inner mutations that are ceaselessly present in every human being.

Honor

Criseyde is encouraged to remain single to preserve her family's honor, which leads her to keep her relationship with Troilus a secret for three years. This... Continue reading "Understanding Criseyde: A Complex Character Analysis" »

Business and Workplace Vocabulary

• Trade Union (Sindicato)
• Company Policy (Política de Empresa)
• Absence Rate (Tasa de Ausentismo)
• Short Term (Corto Plazo)
• Public Service (Servicio Público)
• Average Cost (Promedio)

Sentence Practice: Business Terms

• In my college, the absence rate is quite high.
• I belong to a trade union.
• The average cost of production has risen.
• The public service workers are on strike.
• We have a new short-term summer contract.
• It is against company policy.

Marketing and Economic Terms

• Advertising (Publicidad)
• Money (Dinero)
• Product Placement (Colocación de Productos)
• The Chain (La Cadena)
• Give Up (Renunciar)
• Unemployment (Desempleo)
• Over (Sobre/Por encima de)
• Increasing (Creciente)

Sentence Practice: Marketing and Economics

• I have never used advertising