Abstract The paper discusses the denotative meanings as listed in the dictionary for which there are three main definitions for the word "no"; but, when used as an adverb, seven different meanings are given. The paper continues that while the denotative meaning is reasonably clear, the connotative nuances of "no" are an exploration into the very complexity and inherent difficulty of the English language.
From the Paper "It is crucial to go beyond the simple denotative meaning of a word, in order to fully appreciate the complexity of communication and meaning. While its denotative meaning is reasonably clear, the connotative nuances of "no" are an exploration into the very complexity and inherent difficulty of the English language. Over the past years "no" has been associated with female empowerment, and the word "no" also brings up images of petulant toddlers defying their parents."
Abstract This essay evaluates the definitions and problems of the major word classes; nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs and also touches on the minor classes; pronouns, determiners, auxiliaries and conjunctions. It discusses the reasonings and logic behind these parts of speech.
From the Paper "English does have parts of speech for a start. The need for differentiating a similar word in different context for a clearer understanding led to classifying words into word classes, otherwise known as parts of speech. Crystal (1999) defines word class as groups of words that behave in a similar manner syntactically and morphologically. The word order of a sentence in modern English is quite fixed and therefore it is important to know the classification of words before they can be arranged in a sentence. For example, I girl am a would be grammatically anomalous. Changes in the word tenses or aspect can be predicted morphologically if word classification were to be done. In order to be grammatical, he was ill is definitely preferred over he illed or any other variations. In addition, the presence of word class tells us that in a context like he made a killing from killing birds, where killing is used in two different ways differentiated by categorizing the first killing as a noun and the second one as a verb. Clearly, there are more word classes than the two mentioned above in order to facilitate the differentiating words in a sentence. Traditionally, there are eight parts of speech: verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions and interjections (Burridge & Mulder, 1998:148) although the list gets longer periodically. This essay would discuss some problems in defining major word classes like nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs which are of an open class where new lexemes are constantly added, and the minor classes such as pronouns, prepositions, determiners, auxiliaries and conjunctions that are known to be closed classes; new lexemes are rare. However, concepts that are discussed are by no means exhaustive."
Abstract This paper discusses how adjectives and adverbs are used to enhance the English language. There is a focus on narrative writing and how modifying clauses are used (and misused) in prose. It provides concise examples of each issue discussed and explores the implications put forth by each.
From the Paper "One of the most interesting (and misused) areas in English grammar is that of modifying clauses. These groups of words create subtle changes in a piece of writing and lend a richness and depth that otherwise would not be apparent. There are two types of modifiers: adjectives and adverbs. These two areas create a myriad of opportunities for the alteration and enrichment of a piece of narration. Modifying phrases, unfortunately, lend themselves to misuse in many instances. The results of this misuse, often labeled "misplaced modifiers" can often be quite humorous when read in context."
This paper states that, since nearly every sector of our lives is affected by modern media, the media has a profound and ubiquitous influence on public opinion.
Abstract This paper explains that bias is an endemic and unavoidable part of the newsgathering and reportage process, especially in the area of racial bias. The author points out that advertising, another area in which the media can have a profound influence on public opinion, has achieved the status of a carefully crafted art form whose message can have a negative effect on individuals and society because of selected bias. The paper relates that some of the ways in which bias is influencing public opinion are (1) disguising opinions as news by using loaded language and well-portioned adverbs or adjectives and (2) providing selective content by failing to give proper context and full background information, which distorts the true picture.
From the Paper "While the most extreme form of media bias in shaping public opinion is propaganda, the most infamous use of the media influencing public opinion was no doubt the way in which the Nazis influenced the German public. However, there are many instances in the contemporary world where media bias, which tends towards propaganda, is prevalent. The political manipulation of pubic onion is known as propaganda. An example of the way in which the media can influence public perception through suggesting a sense of legitimacy is through polling and a constant stream of subjective media reports. The method of influencing the public is termed self-fulfilling polling."
This paper contrasts the definition of the grammatical term 'split infinitive' as presented in "Webster's Dictionary of English Usage", "The Guide to Canadian Language Usage" and "A Dictionary of Modern English Usage".
Abstract This paper explains that, by analyzing the similar and contrasting definitions of the use of the split infinitive, the reader can realize how different guides use different objectives to impart a meaning to various grammatical terms. The author points out that, in discussing the split infinitive, the "Webster Guide" makes a faulty assumption that popular literature and various theorists have defined the syntactical usage with a far wider meaning. The paper concludes that the definitions of the split infinitive as a misnomer appear logically and grammatically adequate in the "Webster Guide"; while the "Canadian Guide" provides a more detailed explanation of usage within certain styles of speech and writing. The paper includes several quotations.
From the Paper "In this manner, the term is being nullified since it does not really represent a technical "splitting" of the infinitive within a technical usage format. The appurtenant aspect of the infinitive provides a grammatical explanation of why the "Webster Guide" does not agree that the term is valid in language other than slang. However, the "Guide to Canadian English Usage" tends to propose that, although a split infinitive may not be a correct form of writing, it can still be seen as a definitive explanation for syntactical alignment of these words within a social and standardized written context:"
Abstract The paper focuses on the grammatical syntax used in "Letter from Birmingham Jail" as well as the themes and tones of nonviolent resistance. The paper attempts to show how this text develops a strong sense of action juxtaposed against a much more passive tone of non-violence and humility. The paper therefore illustrates the multidimensional layer of Martin Luther King Jr.'s non aggressive message of resistance.
From the Paper "Martin Luther King Jr. was a very educated man whose passions shine through his prose. Analyzing his words through a grammatical standpoint not only allows us to gain insight on his genius, but also how the intricate complications of the English grammar works in eloquent every day speech. This analysis from a chunk of Dr. King Jr. will explore both the grammatical syntax used in the text, as well as the themes and tones of nonviolent resistance within the context of each sentence. In the progression of the passage, King Jr. moves from an active to passive voice based on his propelling his vision and descriptions of non violent aggression, which is in itself passive yet still active. His relations with the established norm represent a passive voice, while his plans of action in response to that established norm takes on a past tense active voice."
