Understanding Language: Conjunctions, Theater, and Linguistic Attitudes

Conjunctions and Conjunctive Phrases:

• Cause: because, since, as.
• Consecutive: therefore, so, thus.
• Conditional: if, on condition that, provided that, in case, only if, while.
• Final: so that, in order that.
• Concessive: although, though, even though, despite, unless.

Theatrical Structure

Theater acts are complete fragments or parts. These are divided into scenes. A character's entrance or exit marks the beginning or end of a scene. Scenes intercross to form a cohesive whole.

Theatrical Text

The theatrical text has two levels:

Text-Negotiated

• Dialogues: Conversations between characters that advance the action.
• Monologues: A character's speech to themselves, revealing intentions and feelings.
• Soliloquy: A monologue with questions the character answers themselves.
• Aside: Words spoken by a character, heard by the audience but not other characters.

Text-Said

The author's instructions for stage direction and theatrical companies. There are three types:

• Stage: Information about the setting.
• Action: Instructions on how characters should act.
• Temporary: Information about the time period of the work.

Stereotypes and Prejudices About Language Varieties

Stereotypes are emotional ratings (positive or negative) based on misinformation. Stereotypes lead to prejudice. Prejudice is a thought before reason, a falsehood. Linguistic prejudices are partial, subjective views that obscure the understanding of language and linguistic diversity.

Language Attitudes

• Complacent: People who show no interest in the future of a language.
• Concerned: People who care about and are interested in the evolution of a minority language.
• Self-hatred: Denying the benefit of one's own language in favor of a majority language.

Linguistic Conflict

Neutral: A = B. True; A > B