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

Direct Object (CD)

The direct object (CD) is the complete, direct object of a transitive verb. It indicates the thing or person that receives the action of the verb. It is a Noun Phrase (NP) that can be preceded by the preposition a (SPREP). It can be expressed with a pronoun or a personal substantive subordinate clause. It joins the verb in two ways:

• Without a preposition when it refers to a thing.
• With the preposition a when it refers to a person or a personified being.

It takes the lead when it comes to personal names with a generic sense. It can be replaced with unstressed personal pronouns: lo, la, los, las. When the CD comes before the verb, it must be repeated later as an unstressed personal pronoun (redundancy). Another way to recognize... Continue reading "Direct, Indirect Objects, and Other Complements in Spanish" »

Space and Confinement in *The Metamorphosis*

Space is very limited in The Metamorphosis. All the action happens in the home of the Samsa family. The layout is significant, but more than the floor plan, the most important aspect is Gregor's room. Connected to this topic is the importance of the number three.

In the house, we find three rooms, and in the center of these is Gregor's. In addition to Gregor's room, there are three doors, one to each room, and only one window facing the street. Almost the entire story takes place in Gregor's room; his life is inextricably linked to it. The window, which could be an escape route, provides more light than the stark hospital street outside.

The fact that Gregor's room is in the middle gives us the idea... Continue reading "Metamorphosis: Isolation and Dehumanization in Kafka's Story" »

Verb Phrase

It's composed of at least one verb and the dependents of that verb.

Adjective Phrase

Refers to a phrase built upon an adjective, which functions as the head of that phrase. "much quicker than I".

Adverbial Phrase

Term for a group of two or more words operating adverbially. "I'll go to bed soon".

Coordination

Uses coordinating conjunctions, conjunctive adverbs, or punctuation to combine short independent clauses into a simple sentence. "The football game has been postponed, so we will have to do something else"

Subordination

Transforms independent clauses into dependent clauses. The football game has been postponed. We'll have to do something else.

Correlative Conjunction

"either...or", "nor...only", "but...also", "so...as", "whether...or".... Continue reading "Understanding English Grammar: Phrases, Clauses, and Word Formation" »

Journalistic Genres: Story, Report, and Interview

The News Story: Depth and Development

The story is a news piece that develops a sense of spaciousness and depth. Its objective is to complement other sources of information, such as:

• Direct evidence
• Statements by key figures
• New data
• Detailed descriptions of the environment
• Information graphics

Sometimes, the story includes other texts, separated from the main content using typographic resources, which supplement the report.

Structure of the News Story

Its structure is basically like the news: entry and body. However, two elements feature prominently:

1. The first paragraph, which must prove attractive to the reader.
2. The last paragraph, which should close the text suggestively.

The extension is highly variable,... Continue reading "Analyzing Journalistic Forms: Story, Report, and Interview Structure" »

Characteristics of Literary Texts

1. Originality in Literary Language

   Literary language is a conscious act of creation, driven by a desire for originality. It strives to be unique, novel, and always original.

2. Artistic Intent and Aesthetic Purpose

   Language is employed with an artistic will, aiming to create a work of art. Its primary purpose is aesthetic.

3. Special Communicative Intent

   This language serves an aesthetic, rather than a practical, communicative purpose.

4. Deviation and Foregrounding

   Often termed "deviation" or "foregrounding," this refers to the recurrence or repetition of linguistic units at any level within a text. It signifies a statistically higher occurrence of a given unit compared to its frequency in 'normal' language.

5. The Connotative Nature

Understanding Naturalism: A Literary Movement

Origins and Core Principles of Naturalism

Naturalism is a significant literary current that developed during the last third of the nineteenth century, primarily in France. It was championed by the renowned novelist Émile Zola, who asserted that literature, much like the natural sciences, should become another science. Its object of study was to be the social environment. Naturalist literature aimed to analyze human behavior scientifically, rigorously following the principles of observation and experimentation.

This approach was premised on the idea that humanity was not truly free, but rather determined biologically and socially. Individuals were seen as conditioned by their genetic heritage and the... Continue reading "Naturalism in Literature: Defining Features and Impact" »

Likelihood: Resembles the real, credible.

Industrial Revolution Context: Characterized by wealth accumulation and poor working conditions. The primary reader was the Bourgeoisie.

Mimesis: A copy or imitation of reality.

Influence of the Scientific Method: Emphasis on observation.

This genre was widely produced and read, characterized by its capacity for detailed descriptive narrative.

Key Characteristics of Realism

1. Careful and detailed observation.
2. Description of the environment, customs, and characters (from different social classes).
3. Effect of objectivity.
4. Standard of plausibility (the narration can occur in extra-textual reality).
5. Intent: To contribute to social change.
6. Inclusion of voices belonging to different classes.

Narrative Techniques

Direct Speech:

Dramatic Subgenres

• Tragedy: Presents conflicts that cannot be solved by the characters, as they are marked by fate. The outcome is always unfortunate.
• Comedy: Shows everyday life issues and aims to entertain. The protagonists are ordinary people. The outcome is always happy.
• Drama: A conflict painful for the characters. The protagonists are common. It mixes tragic and comical elements, and the ending can be happy or unhappy.

Argumentative Texts in the Media

• Editorial: Sets out the terms of the means of communication on a topical issue. It is a text that is signed and employs formal vocabulary.
• Chronicle: Expanded news and commentary. Parts:
  • News: Objective information of events.
  • Comment: Exploring the journalist, usually performed in the third

Actions for Check Default

Non-payment of a check must be accredited by one of the following methods:

• By notarial protest.
• By a statement from the drawee.
• By a dated statement from a clearing or compensation system.

Understanding Credit Risk Databases

Key sources of risk information in Spain include the Risk Information Central Bank of Spain (CIRBE) and Asnef-Equifax.

Risk Information Central Bank of Spain (CIRBE)

CIRBE is a public service managed by the Bank of Spain. It maintains an extensive database of credit risk information, including loans, credits, and guarantees, that financial institutions hold with their customers. This allows any lender to ascertain the total debt their customers have with other institutions.

Asnef-Equifax

Asnef-Equifax compiles... Continue reading "Financial Risks & Payment Mechanisms Explained" »

The Underpinnings of the Drive

If self-talk alone were enough to move us to survive, it would be the sexual drive, which is mounted on the gregarious instinct, forming self-preservation. This drive would then seek another. Sexuality in us is open to the world; the libido is what makes us feel sympathy or apathy towards another. The mother creates a kind of map through which desire travels in the newborn. When it goes beyond mere need, the baby can perceive a creature of altered demand. Need in us would be equivalent to instinct, but in humans, it is very rudimentary and insufficient.

The Mirror Stage: Image and Self-Formation

The Mirror Stage opens us to fundamental concepts, such as the kingdom of the image, which encompasses the imaginary, narcissism,... Continue reading "Psychoanalytic Concepts: Drives, Mirror Stage, Identity" »