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

Information Condensation Techniques

Nominalization Explained

Nominalization is a process that transforms a sentence's information into a noun or a nominal phrase. Nominalization can express more meaning within less space and using fewer words.

Linguistic Transformations: Nominalization Example

Nominalization involves a series of linguistic transformations. The statement «Laura and Michael met by chance. Thus, they felt very happy.» explains a situation. But it is not the only way to say it. If we say: «The chance meeting of Laura and Michael brought happiness.», we convey the same information but more concisely. We used two nominalizations. This has allowed us to condense two sentences or propositions into one. In short, the verb structure... Continue reading "Nominalization and Verb Tense Usage in Text Structure" »

Lingïísticos signs (units of language) divide their time in various, components that are studied in various fields of linguistics. These components are linked together, combine or unite to give rise to larger units. Thus we see that the various phonemes (sound units) meet to give rise to combinations of sounds that allow recognition of different concepts, training of all signs that constitute language.

In the field of morphology (the study of word formation), these smaller units are called monemes.

The combination of monemes will result in the formation of different words.

So that the linguistic sign (the word) comes from a double joint, a joint or combined sound (phoneme) meaningless and another that provides meaning (monemes).

To be clear,

Glossary of Words

• Creek (n): A stream smaller than a river
• Soaring (n): The sport of flying a sailplane
• Shack (n): A rough cabin; shanty
• Huddle (v): To gather or crowd together in a close mass
• Garrulous (adj): Excessively talkative in a rambling, roundabout manner, especially about trivial matters
• Brag (v): To use boastful language; boast
• Unruly (adj): Not submissive or conforming to rule; ungovernable; turbulent; intractable; refractory; lawless
• Sturdy (adj): Strongly built; stalwart; robust
• Aloofness (n): The quality or state of being aloof, distant, or reserved; indifference
• Clench (v): To close the hands, teeth, etc. tightly
• Plea (n): An appeal or entreaty
• Foyer (n): The lobby of a theater, hotel, or apartment house
• Spool (n): Any cylindrical piece

"I wandered lonely as a cloud" - "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" was a lyric poem by William Wordsworth. The poem was inspired by an event on 15 April 1802, in which Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy came across a "long belt" of daffodils. Written sometime between 1804 and 1807, it was first published in 1807.

The speaker says that, wandering like a cloud floating above hills and valleys, he encountered a field of daffodils beside a lake. The dancing, fluttering flowers stretched endlessly along the shore, and though the waves of the lake danced beside the flowers, the daffodils outdid the water in glee. The speaker says that a poet could not help but be happy in such a joyful company of flowers. He says that he stared and stared, but did not... Continue reading "Exploring Nature: I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" »

Grammar Review

This section covers essential grammar points for everyday English usage:

• Wish: past simple, past perfect, would
• So+adj+that: such+adj+noun+that
• She takes: it takes her
• Although: despite the fact that
• Too+adj: not+adj+enough
• Unless: if..not
• I would prefer to+inf: I'd rather+inf
• Remember: ing
• Regret+ing: regret to
• Try: ing
• Shouldn't/ought to/had better
• Be about to+inf: on the point of+gerund
• It's time+past simple
• Past simple + ago: have+ed
• To be fond of: like+gerund
• on your own: by yourself
• More than/better than: as..as
• I haven't seen Peter for ages_: It's ages since I saw Peter
• Regret: ing
• Apologise: to+inf
• Mind: ing
• Remember..: forget to
• Don't forget to...her brother said: her brother reminded him to...
• As long as/only if/providing/provided
• They said

Characterization

Definition:

Characterization in literature refers to the step-by-step process wherein an author introduces and then describes a character. The character can be described directly by the author or indirectly through the actions, thoughts, and speech of the character.

Example:

Michael Corleone was not just a mafioso, but a family man. A man who walked the knife's edge to preserve his sanity.

Imagery

Definition:

In literature, one of the strongest devices is imagery, wherein the author uses words and phrases to create "mental images" for the reader. Imagery helps the reader to visualize more realistically the author's writings. The usage of metaphors, allusions, descriptive words, and similes, among other literary forms, in order to... Continue reading "Understanding Key Literary Devices" »

The poem “The Happy Warrior” was written by Herbert Read in 1914. An English poet, mostly known for his poems inspired by World War I.

The poem was influenced by his experiences fighting in the war and the time period. It also led him to write many poems with the same subject. Another influential factor was the Modernist Movement in literature.

“The Happy Warrior” is structured in five stanzas of different lengths, totaling 12 lines. The poetic persona of this poem is a soldier referred to as "He". "His wide eyes search unconsciously. He cannot shriek." The description of the soldier is strong, accurately representing the aftermath of committing such a gruesome act. The sarcastic tone in calling the soldier the "happy warrior" serves... Continue reading "The Happy Warrior: A Poem by Herbert Read" »

PHILIP LARKIN:-A Girl in Winter (1957),-The Less Deceived (1955),-New Lines (1956),-The Whitsun Weddings (1964),-High Windows (1974). SAMUEL BECKETT: novels stripped of plot & character development; Symbolic and allegoric:-Molloy (1951),-Malone Dies (1956),-Watt (1958),-The Unnamable (1960),-How It Is (1961),-Imagination Dead Imagine (1965). GEORGE ORWELL:-Homage To Catalonia (1938),-Animal Farm (1945),-Burmese Days (1935),-Keep the Aspidistra Flying (1936),-The Road to Wigan Pier (1937). V.S.NAIPAUL:-Miguel Street (1959),-A House for Mr. Biswas (1961),-In A Free State (1971),-A Bend in the River (1979). NADINE GORDIMER:-The Conservationist (1974),-The Pickup (2001). SALMAN RUSHDIE:-Grimus (1975),-Midnight’s Children (1981),-Shame