This term paper on synonymy has the aim to answer one certain question: Do we
find absolute or strict synonymy in the English language? Unfortunately, there is
not enough working time to have a look at the whole language or at least a large
part of it. Therefore, I decided to choose several texts dealing with the same topic,
which precisely is the 11th September 2001 (the terror attacks against the United
States of America). This seems to be a good basis for finding a lot of synonyms or
synonymous expressions.
The working process is structured as follows: First, it is necessary to define the
term “synonymy” because there are two different opinions about it. On the one
hand, some linguists are convinced that there is no total synonymy at all and on
the other hand, another group of linguists states that such a kind of synonymy
exists but it occurs only rarely. A further look on those definitions will provide a
clearer distinction.
Then the main work has to be done. There are many texts available, which will
serve to find a satisfying answer to the stated question. These texts, which I found
in the Internet, are from daily American and British newspapers, speeches of
politicians, eyewitness reports, TV reports, political magazines and private
Internet discussions. Certainly, these texts and articles contain a lot of material to
work with.
Finally, the last part of the termpaper will represent the results of this process –
the justification of total synonymy or its rejection. [...]
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Synonymy
- 2.1 How to Define Synonymy?
- 2.2 Working Method
- 3. Analysis of Text Material - Absolute Synonymy?
- 4. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This term paper aims to determine whether absolute synonymy exists in the English language. Due to time constraints, the analysis focuses on texts relating to the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks. The paper first examines differing linguistic perspectives on synonymy, specifically contrasting views on the possibility of absolute versus near synonymy. It then analyzes text material to investigate the interchangeability of seemingly synonymous words and expressions in various contexts.
- Defining Synonymy: Exploring the debate between absolute and near synonymy.
- Methodology for Identifying Synonyms: Examining methods for determining synonymous relationships in text.
- Analysis of Synonymous Expressions: Investigating the usage of seemingly synonymous words related to the September 11th attacks.
- The Economical Principle of Language: Considering the impact of language's efficiency on the existence of true synonyms.
- Types of Synonymy: Differentiating between synonyms based on dialect, style, emotive meaning, collocation, and overlapping meaning.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter lays out the central research question: Does absolute synonymy exist in the English language? Due to limitations in time and scope, the study focuses on a corpus of texts related to the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks, believing this context will provide ample opportunity to identify potential synonyms or synonymous expressions. The methodology is outlined, including the planned definition of synonymy and the process for analyzing the selected texts to address the research question. The chapter establishes the framework for the subsequent investigation into the nuances of synonymy and its presence within the English language.
2. Synonymy: This chapter delves into the complexities of defining synonymy, presenting two contrasting perspectives from linguistic literature. One group of linguists emphasizes degrees of synonymy, distinguishing between "absolute" and "near" synonymy based on criteria such as identical meaning across all contexts and semantic equivalence in all dimensions. This view acknowledges the rarity of absolute synonyms in English. A second group contends that true total synonymy is nonexistent due to the economic principle of language, arguing against the possibility of two words with precisely the same meaning and usage. The chapter highlights the various ways in which synonyms can differ, including those stemming from dialectal variations, stylistic choices, emotive or evaluative nuances, collocational restrictions, and instances of loose or overlapping meaning. This provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing the selected texts.
2.1 How to Define Synonymy?: This section further elaborates on the two main approaches to defining synonymy. It meticulously outlines the criteria for absolute synonymy according to Lyons, highlighting the stringent conditions that must be met (identical meaning in all contexts, semantic equivalence across all dimensions). It then counters this perspective with the view that total synonymy is impossible, emphasizing the economical principle of language. It illustrates the contrasting views through examples and scholarly references, emphasizing the lack of consensus in the field. The presentation of these conflicting perspectives sets the stage for the empirical analysis in subsequent chapters.
2.2 Working Method: This section details the methodology for the analysis. It explains the process of identifying and comparing expressions with similar or identical meanings within the chosen text corpus. The chapter explains how the relationship between words and expressions will be examined by considering interchangeability within different contexts and investigating antonyms. This lays out the practical application of the theoretical discussion of synonymy from the previous section, providing a clear plan for testing the hypotheses generated.
3. Analysis of Text Material - Absolute Synonyms?: This chapter presents the core analysis of the collected text material, examining words and expressions related to the act of attacking (e.g., onslaught, attack, assault, raid, strike). While these terms share a core meaning of violent aggression, the chapter explores subtle differences in their connotations and usage, considering their interchangeability across various contexts. The analysis aims to determine whether these terms meet the criteria for absolute or near synonymy, directly addressing the main research question of the paper. This in-depth examination forms the heart of the empirical evidence used to draw conclusions.
Keywords
Synonymy, absolute synonymy, near synonymy, linguistic theory, English language, vocabulary, semantics, textual analysis, September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks, contextual analysis, economic principle of language, word meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main research question of this term paper?
The central research question is: Does absolute synonymy exist in the English language?
What is the scope of the research?
Due to time constraints, the analysis focuses on texts related to the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks. This context is believed to provide ample opportunities to identify potential synonyms or synonymous expressions.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores the definition of synonymy (absolute vs. near synonymy), methodologies for identifying synonyms, the analysis of synonymous expressions related to the September 11th attacks, the economic principle of language, and different types of synonymy (based on dialect, style, emotive meaning, collocation, and overlapping meaning).
How is synonymy defined in this paper?
The paper examines two contrasting perspectives on synonymy. One view emphasizes degrees of synonymy (absolute vs. near), while the other contends that true total synonymy is nonexistent due to the economic principle of language.
What methodology is used to analyze the text material?
The methodology involves identifying and comparing expressions with similar or identical meanings within the chosen text corpus. The analysis examines interchangeability within different contexts and investigates antonyms.
What specific text material is analyzed?
The analysis focuses on words and expressions related to the act of attacking (e.g., onslaught, attack, assault, raid, strike), exploring subtle differences in their connotations and usage to determine whether they meet the criteria for absolute or near synonymy.
What are the key findings or conclusions (without revealing specifics)?
The analysis investigates whether the chosen words meet the criteria for absolute or near synonymy, directly addressing the main research question. The detailed examination provides empirical evidence to support the conclusions.
What are the keywords associated with this term paper?
Synonymy, absolute synonymy, near synonymy, linguistic theory, English language, vocabulary, semantics, textual analysis, September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks, contextual analysis, economic principle of language, word meaning.
What is the structure of the term paper?
The paper includes an introduction, a chapter on synonymy (with subsections on defining synonymy and the working method), a chapter analyzing text material for absolute synonymy, and a conclusion. It also provides a table of contents and chapter summaries.
- Quote paper
- Julia Schubert (Author), 2002, Do we Find Absolute Synonymy in the English Language? - An Analysis of Internet-Texts Dealing with the 11th September 2001, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/7290
