Deviation in Language and Expectations

Deviation and Foregrounding

• Deviation occurs when rules or expectations are broken, attracting attention and aiding memorability.
• Deviation is not limited to language, e.g., breaking a dress code.

Constraints in Language

• In the phrase "a -------------- ago", the missing word must be a countable noun referring to a period of time (e.g., day, week, month, year).
• The noun must be countable because of the indefinite article "a" modifying it.
• Uncountable nouns cannot be modified by the indefinite article (e.g., *"a furniture" or *"three furnitures").

Grammatical and Semantic Constraints

• The choices for the missing word obey constraints at two linguistic levels:
  • Grammatical: the noun must be countable due to the indefinite article "a".
  • Semantic: the noun must refer to a period of time for semantic consistency with the postmodifier "ago".

Explore how deviation from rules and expectations can create attention and aid memorability in language and other areas, such as dress codes. Test your understanding with this quiz!