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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of deviation in language?
What is the primary purpose of deviation in language?
What type of nouns cannot normally be modified by the indefinite article 'a'?
What type of nouns cannot normally be modified by the indefinite article 'a'?
What two linguistic levels are obeyed by the words in the list 'a day/week/month/year ago'?
What two linguistic levels are obeyed by the words in the list 'a day/week/month/year ago'?
Why does the noun in the phrase 'a -------------- ago' need to be a time word?
Why does the noun in the phrase 'a -------------- ago' need to be a time word?
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What is an example of deviation from expectation mentioned in the content?
What is an example of deviation from expectation mentioned in the content?
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What is the function of the indefinite article 'a' in the phrase 'a -------------- ago'?
What is the function of the indefinite article 'a' in the phrase 'a -------------- ago'?
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What is the term for the effect of deviation in language?
What is the term for the effect of deviation in language?
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What is the result of deviation from expectation in language?
What is the result of deviation from expectation in language?
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Why can't you say 'a furniture'?
Why can't you say 'a furniture'?
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What type of constraint is associated with the use of the indefinite article 'a'?
What type of constraint is associated with the use of the indefinite article 'a'?
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What is the common property of the words in the list 'a day/week/month/year ago'?
What is the common property of the words in the list 'a day/week/month/year ago'?
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What is an example of deviation from expectation outside of language?
What is an example of deviation from expectation outside of language?
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Study Notes
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".
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".
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Description
Understand how deviation from expectations affects language and communication. Fill in the missing words and learn about the concept of deviation in language and beyond.
