Paper 3 Question 1
Text A is formatted as a letter from an uncle to his nephew. It was written in 1832, which makes the letter a part of the later modern English era. The late modern English era ranges from 1800 to present day. Because of how broad this time period is, there are obvious changes within it. The letter was written very early on in this era, so comparing it and recognizing the differences between then and present day is necessary.
Text A had various semantic changes present. Technology has been the root of many forms of language change. Over time technology and hydraulics have forced the English language to adapt with it. In Text A the word “venture” is used. This word fits the time period of the early 1800’s very well, as it holds a lot of formality. These words aren't used in the present day because of Aitchison’s descriptive approach. This approach stated that there is no fixed standard in English. The English language evolves as its users do. Considering new forms of transportation have been created, the word “venture” isn’t as necessary. Instead words like “driving” are being used to portray the form of transportation being used.
The letter in Text A continues to show its usage of archaism with phrases that are no longer used. This includes the phrase in paragraph one stating “apt to be guilty”. Text C shows an n-gram model that includes the phrase ‘are apt to be’. It shows how the tendency of the usage for this phrase is very low. The S-curve model theory is responsible for this. Chen created this theory stating change starts in a limited way, then accelerates as more speakers adopt the change. The phrase “apt to be” never gained usage so it morphed over time.
One of the ways that the phrase morphed is portrayed by the n-gram graph in Text C. Instead the phrase “are likely to be” increased over time. Specifically, the word “likely” has increased in usage. This is due to the Substratum theory. Labov created the substratum theory and he stated that language change happens because of the spread. The spread occurred on a large scale, it occurred globally. Due to this ‘spread’, the word “like” has become a filler word used in the English language. It has become a filler word across the world. This directly coordinates it with its increased usage.
The n-gram in Text C continues to show an alternative for the phrase “are apt to be”, with the phrase “tend to be”. With this, the specific word “tend” can be further analyzed. The word “tend” has two different meanings. One of these meanings includes to behave in a certain way. The other meaning includes moving in a direction. Considering these are two very different meanings, the process of broadening is occurring. The broadening of the term “tend” makes it obvious why the usage of the phrase “tend to be” has gone up. With multiple meanings, there are multiple ways of using this.
Furthermore, when analyzing Text B the word “taste” is also considered a broadening term. Text A states “good taste”. This is associated with a “personal” linking, as stated in the chart in Text B. “Taste” can also be referred to as a “good” or “bad” flavor. These are two very contrasting meanings that again show the broadening of this single word over time.
The chart in Text B continues to show five collocates for the word “judgment”. Text A states, “correct judgment”. One of the collocates used in the chart is “professional”, and Text A defines the word “judgment” as a professional decision. Currently, judgment is used as more of a negative term. Many people “dissert” their opinion more, and they do this by using the word “judgment”. Due to this, “judgment” directly displays the usage of pejoration. Pejoration states that a words takes on more of a negative connotation over time, and that is exactly what has happened with the word “judgment”.
In the final paragraph the word “inmates” was used. In the present day I would associate the word “inmates” with a person confined in jail. Instead, Text A used the word “inmates” as a roommate. This gives a further example of the broadening process. “Inmates” is still used, but it is used because it has gained a different meaning.
Firstly, there is not much of an introduction of the text. However, you make good notes on the time period in which the letter was written. I don’t think that your final sentence in the introduction was necessary. You could have had a lot more on the context of the text. While you do state ‘a letter from an uncle to his nephew’, you could have gone a little more into depth on what this means for the language of the text. For example, the model answer for the same question states the name of the author and how he is the one giving advice to his nephew. They also make a reference to letters being more private messages. In your second paragraph, I like how you focus on the word ‘venture’ and relate it back to how technology has changed over time. I also like how you added Aitchison’s descriptive approach to describe how these types of words are no longer used in the present day. I really like how you began your third paragraph mentioning how text A ‘continues to show its usage of archaism’ and then provide the example used in text C; this shows a good use of structure. However, I do think that it would be very beneficial if you were to give some more background and context on each of the sources instead of going right into your points. Including the S-curve Model Theory is very good as it adds more credibility to your statements. Overall, I think you could have expanded on all of your points much more. In the model paper, the examiner made good points on how the student ‘correctly identifies the lexical field’ and even points out the minor things that the student mentions. Don’t think so much on trying to list as many theories as possible and just look at the words and the texts’ and how they relate to each other on a simple level. It is then when theories can come in and history. For the AO2 category, I am giving you 3 marks. You had a clear expression with some errors, but they did not impede communication. Your content was relevant, I just think there could have been a little more. For AO3, I will be giving you 3 marks. You had a clear understanding and appropriate reference to issues and concepts, as well as methods and approaches. For AO5, I will be giving you 7 marks. You had evidence from all three sources and a clear analysis, along with evidence. Overall, your final score would be 13 marks.
ReplyDeleteHi Taylor! I enjoyed reading about your different ideas.
ReplyDeleteScores- AO2: 5 AO4: 3 AO5: 11
In regards to the AO2 section, I thought you did an excellent job. I did not find grammatical errors within your answer. Also, I thought that your layout and what you were discussing was clear, as you stated at the beginning of each paragraph if you were referring to “Text A,” “Text B,” or “Text C.” With AO4, I thought you were able to use a buzzword with each idea that you brought up. For example, you cited both theories and key words like the “S-curve model theory” and “broadening.” I was a little confused about your explanation of the “Substratum theory.” I think specificity with the definition is key to gain points. Also, I am not exactly sure if the “descriptive approach” is the best when discussing the word “venture.” However, I do completely understand the point you are trying to make and thought you explained your ideas well. With the AO5 section, I thought you did a great job in selecting “effective and appropriate” language data from the three excerpts, as seen when you said how the phrase “are likely to be” had “increased over time.” In your Text C paragraphs, if you also included how Text A relates to these ideas, it would be phenomenal. Overall, I thought your response will earn you a high grade.
Hey Taylor,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog!
AO2,
I wouldve you a 3/5.
You had a detailed understanding of the three texts. Every time you made a point you supported it by providing the reader with evidence. You had a few minors arrors but those are could be easily fixed, the erros do not impide the reader´s ability to understand. Your conetcnt was relevant to the prompt. Your ideas seemed to flow well.
AO4,
I would give you 3/5.
When reading your blog, I felt like you kind of rushed some parts. For example, you talked about each of the texts and you gave evidence to support it, which wqas great. You should have given more evidence to support it to make your point stronger.
AO5,
I would give you a 10/15.
I liked the fact that you mention the S-curve theory, ¨The S-curve theory model theory is responsible for this¨ but then you rushed it and only stated, ¨Chen created this theory stating change starts in a limited way, the accelerates as more speakers adopt the change,¨ you could have been a little bit more detailed about it. Overall your score would be 16/25.