Vague Language, Elasticity Theory and the Use of ‘Some’: A Comparative Study of L1 and L2 Speakers in Educational Settings

Description

In Vague Language, Elasticity Theory and the Use of ‘Some’, Nguyet Nhu Le and Grace Qiao Zhang present the first comprehensive study of the word ‘some’, focusing on its elasticity. In particular, they consider how ‘some’ is both a quantifier and a qualifier, has positive or negative meanings, and has local and global interpretations. They show that the word is used across a meaning continuum and can be used to convey a range of states, including approximation, uncertainty, politeness, and evasion. Finally, they demonstrate that the functions of ‘some’ are also multi-directional and non-categorical, consisting of four major functions (right amount of information, mitigation, withholding information, and discourse management). Based on naturally-occurring classroom data of L1 (American English) and L2 (Chinese- and Vietnamese-speaking learners of English) speakers, Vague Language shows that L2 speakers used ‘some’ more than L1 speakers and explores the significance of this, particularly taking account of speakers’ language ability and cultural backgrounds. While this book focuses on the single word ‘some’, the authors’ discussion has important implications for language studies more generally, as they call for a rethinking of our approaches to language study and more attention to its elasticity. Cover Contents List of Illustrations Acknowledgements List of Abbreviations 1 Introduction Definitions Purposes of study Organization of the book 2 Theoretical Foundations Vague language Some: A vague word Theoretical frameworks Concluding remarks 3 Methodology Research design: Mixed methods Data Concluding remarks 4 Linguistic Analysis of Some Some clusters: Lexical Some clusters: Syntactic Some groups Concluding remarks 5 Pragmatic Functions of Some Right amount of information Mitigation Withholding information Discourse management Concluding remarks 6 General Discussion Frequency, clustering and position Quantitative and qualitative use of some Positive and negative some Elasticity of some: Meaning perspective Elasticity of some: Pragmatic function perspective Local and global some Impact of language ability Cultural influence on the use of some Concluding remarks 7 Conclusions and Implications L1 versus L2 speakers Manifestation of the elasticity of Some Linguistic and cultural factors Implications References Index