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
5. References
Objectives and Topics
This paper aims to investigate the existence of absolute or strict synonymy within the English language by analyzing various text samples related to the events of September 11, 2001. The central research question examines whether words identified as synonyms are truly interchangeable in all contexts or if they possess subtle semantic differences.
- The linguistic definition and theoretical frameworks of synonymy.
- Distinction between absolute synonymy and near synonymy.
- Practical analysis of synonymous expressions in real-world media texts.
- Evaluation of interchangeability and connotative differences.
- Assessment of the economical principle of language in vocabulary development.
Excerpt from the Book
3. Analysis of Text Material
Working through the material, I found many words and expressions that seemed to be synonymous or at least similar in their meaning. Now, it is my task to find out how they are related to each other. Do they have the same meaning in nearly all contexts or do their meaning differ?
First, there were many different expressions to be found that deal with the action of attacking:
(8) onslaught
(9) attack
(10) assault
(11) raid
(12) strike
All these words are similar in one meaning: they all express a violent attempt of hurting someone or something by certain means. This can be tested by the following sentence: (12) Last week there was a wicked onslaught/attack/assault/raid/strike against the United States.
Although, these words nearly mean the same and for that have a similar meaning, there are still slight differences. When using the word onslaught, we are not just thinking of an attack, but of a very hard one. The emotive meaning of (8) differs from that of (9) or (10) as these words are “only” expressing something violent and not very violent like (8). The word raid also means an attack, but especially a military one.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The author outlines the research aim to determine the existence of absolute synonymy in English using media texts concerning the September 11th terror attacks.
2. Synonymy: This section covers theoretical definitions provided by linguists like Lyons and Palmer, distinguishing between absolute and near synonymy, and introduces the working methodology.
3. Analysis of Text Material – Absolute Synonymy?: The author examines various groups of synonymous expressions, such as those related to attacks or aircraft, to test their interchangeability in specific contexts.
4. Conclusion: The paper concludes that absolute synonymy does not exist as analyzed expressions consistently show differences in connotation, collocation, or interchangeability.
5. References: This chapter lists the academic literature and dictionaries utilized for the linguistic study.
Keywords
Synonymy, Absolute Synonymy, Near Synonymy, Semantics, Linguistics, Interchangeability, Connotation, Collocation, Vocabulary, Language Analysis, 11th September 2001, Linguistic Definition, Emotive Meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the linguistic concept of synonymy, specifically examining whether absolute or strict synonymy can be found in the English language.
What are the central themes discussed?
The study centers on semantic definitions, the distinction between absolute and near synonymy, and the practical application of these theories through the analysis of media texts.
What is the main research question?
The research seeks to answer whether two or more expressions in English can possess the exact same meaning and be perfectly interchangeable in every possible context.
What methodology does the author use?
The author uses a qualitative analysis approach, selecting specific texts related to the 9/11 attacks to identify potential synonyms and testing their interchangeability across various sentence structures.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body provides a theoretical framework for defining synonymy, outlines the methodology, and conducts a detailed examination of word groups like attack-related terms and aircraft terminology.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include synonymy, semantics, interchangeability, absolute synonymy, and linguistic analysis.
How does the author define the "economical principle of language"?
Referencing Kreidler and Hansen, the author explains that it would be wasteful and redundant for a language to maintain multiple terms with identical meanings and contextual usages.
Why are terms like "onslaught" and "attack" not considered absolute synonyms?
Although they share a core meaning, they differ in emotive intensity and collocation; for example, "onslaught" implies a more severe event, while "attack" is more generic, making them not perfectly interchangeable.
- 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
