Comparing a Standard Dictionary with a Learners Dictionary - Assignment Example

Comparing a standard dictionary with a learner’s dictionary Comparing how ‘certain’ is treated in the Oxford Advanced Learners’ Dictionary and the Concise Oxford English Dictionary (COED). Grammatical information The Oxford Advanced Learners’ Dictionary is more elaborate in its definition and use of the word. In this ESL type dictionary the word is explained mainly as an adjective with such entries as certain (that)… for example it is certain that they will reach the end. Certain to do something, for example she looks certain to do the laundry today. These explanations indicate a number of constructs using the adjective ‘certain’ for example certain who, certain of. Generally the word as an adjective in the Oxford Advanced Learners’ Dictionary indicates: i) That you can rely on to happen or to be true ii) Firmly believing something without doubt iii) Used in mentioning a particular person or group without adding any more details about the subject iv) Sometimes used formally with a person’s name indicating that the user is not known to the person v) When used with the combination ‘to a certain extent’ implying vague, not very clear or just noticeable. The Concise Oxford English Dictionary on the other hand is less elaborate explaining the word as an adjective and pronoun. The adjective explanations are two fold including one of which is attributive. Generally the grammatical information offered by the two dictionaries differ in that the ESL dictionary (Oxford Advanced Learners’ Dictionary) is more elaborate in the explanations unlike the Concise Oxford English Dictionary which offers short but explanations. Pronunciation information Both dictionaries are offering a similar pronunciation for the word ‘certain’ Usage information The Oxford Advanced Learners’ Dictionary has a more detailed summary of the usage of this word. It also includes idiom constructs that use this word which is not the case with the Concise Oxford English Dictionary (COED) which is brief juts giving the pronoun and phrases as the constructs derived from this word. Additionally the COED seems to indicate the origin of the word while offering some spelling help and tips. Oxford Advanced Learners’ Dictionary lists other words that can be used in place of the word ‘certain’ indicating where these words need to be positioned (syntax) in order to convey the same meaning as the word ‘certain’ if it were used. For example the word ‘sure’ being used not before a noun but after it, for example ‘Germany must beat Australia to be sure of qualifying’ Layout The Oxford Advanced Learners’ Dictionary uses different colour and shading to indicate the different definitions and usage of the word. This is unlike the COED which has plain pages and uses only one colour to give the different explanations. Section 9 Functional grammar Exercise 1: Different Englishes a) Based on the syntax of the statement that seems to violate the structural grammar, it can be inferred that this may be an extract from a formal policy concerning the pension scheme for a certain organization. This statement differs from standard English because of the way the statements are joined attempting to convey a certain meaning regardless of where particular words are placed b) These statements may be an extract from a certain procedure manual more specifically computer related. The statement has elements that differ from the standard English possibly to indicate certain commands that are important for the procedure (DISKCOPY) to be successful. c) These statements may be an extract from a published advertisement for a certain product that is used to treat plaque. Part of the statement is unique because of the combination of substantive adjectives and adverbs that appear in this unique construct. However the intention seems more on passing a message than lexical cohesion or structural grammar. d) These statements are likely an extract from a poem and appear to have no direct meaning apart from the rhyming achieved through a repeated use of certain words in certain places of the statements. e) This is probably an extract from a narrative indicating sections of passive and active voices combined to narrate. Colloquialism has been used as well giving the statement some distinction from standard English. Apparently there appears to be no cohesion in some part of the extract. f) This is probably an extract from some presentation before an audience who must participate at some point. This is indicated in the questions the presenter seems to be posing to the audience. The English used is standard with standard syntax. g) This is probably a narrative where the narrator is describing the day he or she was born. The extract is lacking is structural grammar as well as semantics and therefore is not at per with standard English Cohesion Text A is less cohesive where the last sentence in this text though talking about the same topic sets a rather different tone hence resulting in some disjoint. In order to achieve a more succinct meaning the last sentence should have followed the first sentence. There appears to be no smooth transition between the sentences. Text C is less cohesive due to conjunction breakdown. The third sentence uses the wrong pronoun introducing a disjoint. The third and fourth sentences lack in lexical cohesion because of poor structural grammar. The fifth and sixth sentences have no reference to the subject of the extract the funnel web. Critical discourse analysis People often make use of structural grammar in communication. Through structural grammar a variety of subjects can be made and understood. The importance of structural grammar is such that it must be learned over time in order to ensure effective communication within the society. The following extract can be used to illustrate passive, active and nomination as used in the public domain to influence opinion. The words in red indicate active voice, those in blue represent passive voice. “Recently, Tom Cruise appeared on television to promote the movie War of the Worlds. Somehow, the interview morphed into a tirade against modern psychiatry, and criticism of psychiatrists for giving tranquilizers to adults and psychotropic drugs to children. He voiced many bitter denunciations of modern psychiatry. Cruise claimed that (Orange, n.d., p.1). "You don't know the history of psychiatry like I do." (Orange, n.d., p.1). Cruise also said that he believes that Scientology offers a valid alternative to current psychiatric practices” (Orange, n.d., p.1). Compare traditional, structural and transformational- generative and functional grammars. Structural grammar involves constructs and mechanics. This approach does not focus on what the words used imply but on how these word are constructed. Structural grammar defines the sentence structure which is pertinent for effective communication. Traditional grammar is used as a descriptive framework for the structure of a given language. Traditional grammar covers all the aspects of language studies. This includes adjectives, adverbs, phrases, pronouns, nouns and clauses among others. Transformational grammar focuses on the thoughts hidden within the words. It also covers a deeper analysis needed to offer an understanding of the word structure and concealed intentions. Functional grammar covers such linguistic theories. Reference Orange, A. (n.d.) Propaganda and debating techniques (2011). Available at: http://www.orange-papers.org/orange-propaganda.html#passive_voice Read More