This thesis will analyze the usage of intensification in three varieties of English, namely British English, Indian English and Sri Lankan English. These varieties were chosen due to their shared colonial past. It will be exciting to see similarities and differences between them, and to ascertain if their colonial past has left a linguistic imprint on them. After this introduction, the theory section will explain the most important topics concerning this thesis, namely Sri Lankan English, Indian English and British English and, naturally, intensifiers. The Schneider Dynamic Model and Kachru’s Three Circle Model will also be explained briefly, since both are vital for research connected to colonialism. The methodology and data section will explain the process of data extraction and the methods used for data analysis along with research questions and hypotheses. The results will be explained in the results section. After that, the discussion of results will talk about the results and their meaning more thoroughly, and research questions as well as hypotheses will be revisited.
Intensifiers have been used ever since language has been documented, and yet, with the amount of research done on the subject, are hardly taken seriously as an insight into language. Why is that? Do intensifiers really mean little, change little? Are they actually worth investigating, or are they just filler words, just meant to underline the importance of other words? Why research something that holds no meaning of its own? And, lastly, the most important question of all: What are intensifiers, and why do we use them?
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Theory
- 2.1 Sri Lankan English
- 2.2 Indian English
- 2.3 British English
- 2.4 Schneider Dynamic Model
- 2.5 Kachru Three Circle Model
- 2.6 Intensifiers
- 3. Methodology, Data
- 3.1 Research questions
- 3.2 Hypotheses
- 4. Results, Discussion of Results
- 4.1 Answering the research questions
- 4.2 Revisiting the hypotheses
- 4.3 Future outlook
- 5. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This master's thesis aims to analyze the usage of intensifiers in three varieties of English: British English, Indian English, and Sri Lankan English. The study focuses on the similarities and differences in intensifier use across these varieties, exploring the potential linguistic imprint left by their shared colonial past. The research employs a corpus-based approach to investigate the function and significance of intensifiers within these distinct linguistic contexts.
- The function and usage of intensifiers in British, Indian, and Sri Lankan English.
- The impact of colonial history on the development of intensifier use in these varieties.
- Comparison of intensifier usage patterns across the three varieties of English.
- Exploration of theoretical frameworks (Schneider Dynamic Model and Kachru's Three Circle Model) relevant to the study of language variation and contact.
- Contribution to the ongoing debate about the linguistic significance and impact of intensifiers.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the topic of intensifiers, highlighting the existing debate surrounding their linguistic significance. It questions the perceived triviality of intensifiers, proposing that their usage offers valuable insights into language and identity construction. The introduction lays out the central research question: What are intensifiers, and why do we use them? It then outlines the study's scope, focusing on the comparison of intensifier use in British, Indian, and Sri Lankan English, motivated by their shared colonial history. The chapter concludes by providing a roadmap of the thesis structure, outlining the content of each subsequent section.
2. Theory: This chapter provides the theoretical foundation for the study. It begins by exploring the linguistic landscapes of Sri Lanka, India, and Great Britain, examining their individual histories and the development of their respective English varieties. A detailed overview of Sri Lankan English and Indian English is offered, outlining their unique characteristics. The chapter also introduces and explains the relevance of the Schneider Dynamic Model and Kachru's Three Circle Model in understanding the influence of colonialism on language variation. Finally, the chapter delves into a thorough examination of intensifiers themselves, reviewing existing research and establishing a framework for analysis within the study.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Intensifier Usage in British, Indian, and Sri Lankan English
What is the main topic of this master's thesis?
This master's thesis analyzes the usage of intensifiers in three varieties of English: British English, Indian English, and Sri Lankan English. It focuses on comparing similarities and differences in intensifier use across these varieties, exploring the influence of their shared colonial past.
What are the key research objectives?
The study aims to investigate the function and usage of intensifiers in British, Indian, and Sri Lankan English, examine the impact of colonial history on intensifier use, compare intensifier usage patterns across the three varieties, explore relevant theoretical frameworks (Schneider Dynamic Model and Kachru's Three Circle Model), and contribute to the understanding of the linguistic significance of intensifiers.
What theoretical frameworks are used?
The thesis utilizes the Schneider Dynamic Model and Kachru's Three Circle Model to understand the influence of colonialism and language contact on the development of intensifier usage in the three varieties of English.
What methodologies are employed in this research?
The research employs a corpus-based approach. Specific details about data collection and analysis methods are provided in the Methodology chapter (Chapter 3).
What are the key chapters and their content?
Chapter 1 (Introduction): Introduces the topic of intensifiers, establishes the research question, outlines the study's scope, and provides a roadmap for the thesis. Chapter 2 (Theory): Explores the linguistic landscapes of Sri Lanka, India, and Great Britain, introduces the Schneider Dynamic Model and Kachru's Three Circle Model, and provides a detailed overview of intensifiers. Chapter 3 (Methodology, Data): Details the research questions, hypotheses, and methodology used in the study. Chapter 4 (Results, Discussion of Results): Presents and discusses the findings of the research, answers the research questions, revisits the hypotheses, and offers a future outlook. Chapter 5 (Conclusion): Summarizes the key findings and contributions of the study.
What are the key themes explored in this thesis?
Key themes include the function and usage of intensifiers, the impact of colonial history on language variation, the comparison of intensifier usage across different English varieties, and the application of theoretical models to understand language contact and change.
What is the significance of this research?
The research contributes to the ongoing debate about the linguistic significance of intensifiers and provides insights into the impact of historical and sociolinguistic factors on language variation and change.
Where can I find more information about intensifiers?
Chapter 2 of the thesis provides a thorough examination of intensifiers, reviewing existing research and establishing a framework for analysis. Further research into the literature cited in the thesis will offer additional information.
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- Michelle Blum (Autor:in), 2020, Adjective Intensification in South-Asian Varieties of English, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/541416
