In the present paper, I will focus on central determiners: definite, indefinite and zero article and demonstrative determiners. We will examine the differences and similarities in their distribution and function for the purpose of raising teachers’ awareness of possible problem areas for Greek ESL learners.
The Modern Greek system of articles or central determiners does not correspond with the English one in every detail. Hence, mastering the correct use of the articles can present difficulties for Greek learners of English. According to Greenbaum and Quirk the term ‘determiner’ includes the definite/ indefinite [specific, generic] article the, a / an, the possessive article my, your, etc., the demonstrative article this, that, etc., quantifiers (some, few, etc.) and numerals (two, second, etc.).
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Differences and similarities in distribution and function of central determiners in English and Greek
- a) The definite article
- b) The indefinite article
- c) The zero article
- d) Demonstrative determiners
- e) Poly-definite construction or determiner spreading in Modern Greek
- 3. Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to highlight the differences and similarities between the English and Modern Greek systems of central determiners, focusing on the definite, indefinite, zero article, and demonstrative determiners. The goal is to raise awareness among teachers of potential difficulties Greek ESL learners might encounter.
- Contrastive analysis of English and Modern Greek definite articles.
- Comparison of indefinite article usage in English and Modern Greek.
- Examination of zero article usage in both languages.
- Analysis of demonstrative determiners in English and Modern Greek.
- Exploration of poly-definite constructions in Modern Greek.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for a contrastive analysis of central determiners in English and Modern Greek. It establishes the significance of understanding the differences between the two systems for Greek ESL learners and outlines the paper's structure. The chapter briefly defines central determiners and previews the methodology: defining the determiner's use in English, analyzing its use in Greek with examples from grammar books, and finally drawing a contrastive comparison through interlinear translation. The chapter also introduces the concepts of definite, indefinite, and zero articles and briefly discusses their basic forms in both languages, highlighting the differences in grammatical features.
2. Differences and similarities in distribution and function of central determiners in English and Greek: This chapter delves into a detailed comparison of the definite, indefinite, and zero articles, as well as demonstrative determiners, across English and Modern Greek. It starts by examining the function of the definite article in English, emphasizing its role in signaling identifiability based on world knowledge, cultural knowledge, and grammatical knowledge. Then, it moves to discuss the definite article in Modern Greek, highlighting its broader usage and the differences compared to English, such as its use with proper nouns, titles, abstract nouns, and time specifications. The chapter continues to compare the indefinite article in both languages and the nuances in usage, moving on to the complexities of the zero article and demonstrative determiners and their function in the respective languages. The section on poly-definite constructions in Modern Greek further contributes to the contrastive analysis and explores how these unique constructions differ from English.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
English grammar, Modern Greek grammar, central determiners, definite article, indefinite article, zero article, demonstrative determiners, contrastive analysis, ESL, Greek ESL learners, interlinear translation, poly-definite construction.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Contrastive Analysis of Central Determiners in English and Modern Greek
What is the main focus of this paper?
This paper provides a contrastive analysis of central determiners (definite, indefinite, zero articles, and demonstrative determiners) in English and Modern Greek. It aims to highlight the differences and similarities between the two systems, specifically addressing potential challenges faced by Greek ESL learners.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The key themes include a contrastive analysis of the definite and indefinite articles in both languages, an examination of zero article usage, an analysis of demonstrative determiners, and an exploration of poly-definite constructions in Modern Greek. The paper emphasizes the importance of understanding these differences for effective teaching of ESL learners.
What is the methodology used in this contrastive analysis?
The methodology involves defining the usage of determiners in English, analyzing their usage in Modern Greek with examples from grammar books, and finally drawing contrastive comparisons through interlinear translation.
How does the paper address the definite article in English and Modern Greek?
The paper examines the function of the definite article in English, emphasizing its role in signaling identifiability. It then contrasts this with the broader usage of the definite article in Modern Greek, noting differences in its use with proper nouns, titles, abstract nouns, and time specifications.
What about the indefinite article and zero article?
The paper compares the use of the indefinite article in both languages, highlighting nuances in their usage. It also delves into the complexities of the zero article and its function in both English and Modern Greek.
What is the significance of the poly-definite construction in Modern Greek?
The paper explores poly-definite constructions in Modern Greek, which are unique grammatical structures not found in English, further contributing to the contrastive analysis and highlighting a significant difference between the two languages.
Who is the target audience for this paper?
This paper is primarily aimed at teachers and researchers interested in contrastive linguistics, specifically those working with Greek ESL learners. The information is valuable for improving the understanding of grammatical differences and tailoring teaching methods to address the specific challenges faced by these learners.
What are the chapter summaries?
Chapter 1 provides an introduction, outlining the paper's scope and methodology. Chapter 2 presents a detailed comparison of definite, indefinite, zero articles, and demonstrative determiners in English and Modern Greek, including a discussion of poly-definite constructions. Chapter 3 offers concluding remarks.
What are the key words associated with this paper?
Key words include English grammar, Modern Greek grammar, central determiners, definite article, indefinite article, zero article, demonstrative determiners, contrastive analysis, ESL, Greek ESL learners, interlinear translation, and poly-definite construction.
- Citar trabajo
- Marie Annette Laufer (Autor), 2017, A contrastive analysis of the English and Greek system of central determiners, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/455183
