Elastic Language

How and Why We Stretch our Words

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Linguistics, Foreign Languages
Cover of the book Elastic Language by Grace Q. Zhang, Cambridge University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Grace Q. Zhang ISBN: 9781316410981
Publisher: Cambridge University Press Publication: August 27, 2015
Imprint: Cambridge University Press Language: English
Author: Grace Q. Zhang
ISBN: 9781316410981
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication: August 27, 2015
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Language: English

Elastic language carries non-specific and stretchable meaning, as in 'He loves her, kind of'. It is used like a slingshot, targeting various strategic goals. Consolidating current research and charting new directions, this book develops a refreshing theory of elasticity, empirically attested by natural language data from tension-prone encounters between Australian Customs officers and passengers. The theory proposes three principles (fluidity, stretchability and strategy) and offers a systematic look at how elastic language, as a sliding scale, works to balance strengthening and weakening speech tones, to firm and soften a speaker's stance, and to reveal and evade the truth. The comparative analysis of forms, functions, and context confirms that elastic language is fluid, stretchable, and strategic. It serves both cooperative and competitive functions, and social and speech factors impact on its use. This book will appeal to students and researchers working in pragmatics, applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, and communication.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Elastic language carries non-specific and stretchable meaning, as in 'He loves her, kind of'. It is used like a slingshot, targeting various strategic goals. Consolidating current research and charting new directions, this book develops a refreshing theory of elasticity, empirically attested by natural language data from tension-prone encounters between Australian Customs officers and passengers. The theory proposes three principles (fluidity, stretchability and strategy) and offers a systematic look at how elastic language, as a sliding scale, works to balance strengthening and weakening speech tones, to firm and soften a speaker's stance, and to reveal and evade the truth. The comparative analysis of forms, functions, and context confirms that elastic language is fluid, stretchable, and strategic. It serves both cooperative and competitive functions, and social and speech factors impact on its use. This book will appeal to students and researchers working in pragmatics, applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, and communication.

More books from Cambridge University Press

Cover of the book Treatable and Potentially Preventable Dementias by Grace Q. Zhang
Cover of the book Shoot the Moon by Grace Q. Zhang
Cover of the book Improving Homeland Security Decisions by Grace Q. Zhang
Cover of the book 1922 by Grace Q. Zhang
Cover of the book Data Analysis and Graphics Using R by Grace Q. Zhang
Cover of the book Guarding the Periphery by Grace Q. Zhang
Cover of the book Nutritional Strategies for the Very Low Birthweight Infant by Grace Q. Zhang
Cover of the book Foreign Investment and the Environment in International Law by Grace Q. Zhang
Cover of the book Decision-Making in Conservation and Natural Resource Management by Grace Q. Zhang
Cover of the book International and Comparative Competition Law by Grace Q. Zhang
Cover of the book Operations Management by Grace Q. Zhang
Cover of the book Homer's Odyssey and the Near East by Grace Q. Zhang
Cover of the book Waves in Oceanic and Coastal Waters by Grace Q. Zhang
Cover of the book The Family in Law by Grace Q. Zhang
Cover of the book Conversational Repair and Human Understanding by Grace Q. Zhang
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy