A field of study, or generally of interest, does by no means simply consist of one or two basic components and then form a large, complex construction; on the contrary: many varieties, shapes and forms are needed for any such system to function and to be fully appreciated. A very wide variety of specific requirements, ideas, theories, views etc. have always assisted and also guided the human race in its seemingly never ending thirst for power, wisdom, and above all knowledge. The simple fact of being able to read these lines is an example of such progressive steps, as is being able to interpret a painting or a creative form of architecture. One thing most people probably would not question further, since everyone is capable of it at the age of three or four, is the concept of speech. One learns at home and in school, and that is that, to put it rather bluntly. However, in time one will notice that not every person in fact uses the same capacity of speech as another person might do. This of course must not be misunderstood on a global scale, since of course there are so many different languages throughout the world. This is only meant for a certain language, in this case English. Not every English speaking person will know what it means when someone “kicked the bucket” or “bought the farm”. Did he or she really kick a bucket, or buy a farm? Of course not. But that is precisely the point. There are certain elements within the structure of a language that cannot be easily determined, certain phrases, words and especially the meanings behind such phrases or words. This particular field of study, or as Rosemarie Gläser refers to it, “a sub discipline of the linguistic system” as “an expanding field of research” (Cowie 1998: 125), contains many interesting single topics. Only defining a phraseological unit as “a lexicalized reproducible bilexemic or polylexemic word group in common use” (1998: 125) does in fact make one have a certain feeling of confusion. This definition is not exactly helpful or overall understandable. Yet when dealing with English phraseology from a functional, stylistic or a cognitive approach, many more interesting and exciting aspects appear.
This paper however will deal with a different point of view on the subject. It is rather unique and can be used for practically any subject or topic one chooses.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- A. Dealing with language: progress, understanding and exploration of the spoken and written word
- B. Stereotyped comparisons in perspective: the concept, past and present form
- I. Theoretical details and functions.
- II. Origins, meanings and comparing various sources......
- III. Comparing in the 21st century: survey on the use of stereotyped comparisons .....
- C. Keeping it alive: the development and future of linguistic studies......
- D. Appendix
- E. References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to provide a historical approach to the study of English phraseology, specifically focusing on stereotyped comparisons. The paper explores the origins, meanings, and variations of these phrases, tracing their development over time and analyzing their current usage.
- The concept and theoretical framework of stereotyped comparisons.
- Historical origins and evolution of stereotyped comparisons.
- Contemporary usage and cultural significance of stereotyped comparisons.
- The role of language in shaping and reflecting cultural understanding.
- The value of exploring linguistic phenomena from a historical perspective.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter A introduces the concept of language as a complex and multifaceted system, highlighting the importance of understanding its various components. It introduces the study of phraseology as a sub-discipline of linguistics and specifically focuses on the concept of stereotyped comparisons.
Chapter B delves into the theoretical details and functions of stereotyped comparisons. It explores the structural elements and semantic properties of these phrases, providing a framework for understanding their nature. The chapter also discusses the historical origins of these comparisons, tracing their development through time.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key concepts and terms explored in this paper include phraseology, stereotyped comparisons, comparative phraseological units, historical linguistics, cultural semantics, and language variation.
- Quote paper
- Jerry Paramo (Author), 2008, A historical approach to English Phraseology, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/271153
