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| All ideas expressed in Thor's
Articles and The Passionate Skeptic are entirely those of
the author, who has no aim to influence, proselytize or persuade
others to a point of view. He is pleased if his writing generates
reflection in readers, either for or against the sentiment of the
argument. Note : papers directly relating to language teaching can be found in Thor's Teaching Critique & Methodology section. Generative Oscillation
Model Postsupposition & Pastiche Talk Abstract
: Natural languages are examined as members of the class of complex
dynamic systems in nature. The mathematical models of Complexity
Theory have shown that complex dynamic systems as diverse
as cyclones, the stock market and the human genome have
the properties of a) being self-organising, b) existing
in a precarious state of cyclical activity which alters
slightly on each cycle, and c) containing an inherent indeterminacy.
This last property, indeterminacy, is taken as a cue to
develop an argument that language cannot be entirely representational,
or altogether functional. It is proposed that in the generation
of language there is a constant oscillation where thought
sometimes gives rise to language, and alternatively, where
unmotivated fragments of language force the development
of post-rationalised ideas. Evidence is sought from the
behaviour of formulaic phrases and apparent presuppositions
Abstract
: This thesis explores some of the syntactic & semantic
properties of Purposive Constructions in English. The term "purposive" is
recognized as a semantic concept which finds regular expression
in a small range of syntactic configurations. Purpose Clauses
(PCs) and Rationale Clauses (Rat.Cs) are examined in some detail.
Briefer reference is made to several other configurations,
notably Because Clauses, So-That Clauses and Infinitival Relatives.
In general Purposive Constructions comprise rather fuzzy semantic
categories. Nevertheless, the main syntactic features are fairly
clear. Interpretation of the constructions requires a systematic
account of the control of empty slots (ellipted NPs) by thematic
elements in the matrix clause. General conditions of Government
and Binding appear adequate to predict the distribution of
gaps in most Purposive Clauses. However, the relationship between
propositions predicated of a common argument in these constructions
is found to sometimes require matching conditions too subtle
for syntax alone to predict. A concept of Thematic Coextensiveness
is introduced to account for such matching. Abstract : The analysis considers the manner in which a class of matrix verbs, the so-called raising verbs, have been fitted into some generative linguistic models. Taking as a cue the difficulty posed for these models by sentences of the kind, *Linda believes Gary to murder David, the analysis proceeds beyond existing criteria for "raising" to the notion of Relative Tense. It
is found that Relative Tense has a direct bearing on the infinitival
complements permitted by raising-to-object verbs and some raising-to-subject
verbs. The relevant constraints are formulated for incorporation
into Bresnan's Lexical Functional Grammar as the Independent
XCOMP Singularity Condition. The IXCSC may be recorded for
convenience in the functional structure of LFG as a complex
feature. When IXCSC carries a positive marking the functional
structure of a sentence, that sentence may only be interpreted
if ASPECT (AUX) is also marked as positive. Abstract : This paper is a preliminary report on a sociolinguistic field survey. It records the beliefs which 834 permanent residents of Suva, Fiji had about their own language and literacy skills in 1988-89. The interview subjects were selected from five census enumeration districts with populations ranging from 430 to 1200, and chosen for having a roughly equal ethnic composition of Fijians and Indo-Fijians. Bilingual interviewers (linguistics students) invited and assisted subjects to complete an extensive questionnaire, and offer unstructured comments. The collated and analysed outcome gives a complex and sometimes surprising picture of urban language change. Language Shift and Language Maintenance - A Contrarian Viewpoint from Thor May Linguists' arguments for language maintenance are often ideological. It is an ideology which tends to rationalize the linguists' own interests as a surrogate for the interests of language speakers in affected communities. Both interests may actually coincide, but often enough they do not. If a debate amongst linguists on language maintenance is to be honest and practical, it has to begin by identifying the values and self-interest of linguists (which are as legitimate as any others in their own domain). Next, and separately the interests of various social groupings, political entities, institutions and finally affected speakers themselves need to be addressed.... Human Language and Machine Intelligence - a linguist's reply to Dr Koji Kobayashi [ article in Electronics Today International, 1984] - Dr Kobayashi on behalf of a Japanese conglomerate had declared that thinking, talking machines capable of interacting in a human-like ways with people would shortly be on the market. This article examines why the claims were not credible from a linguistic and cognitive viewpoint ... Banjalang Transcript for a Language Course 1983 [middle Clarence dialect, NSW; 4Mb pdf file]. This is a rudimentary phrase book for the Australian aborignal language Banjalung, constructed in co-operation with a surviving speaker and designed to encourage Banjalung language revival. It was untertaken at the request of Southern Cross University and local community members. Other Materials When Is It Rude To
Be Rude? [also Korean
language version ]
writing & photography
on this site is
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