Modality and politeness in Late Modern English : evidence from eighteenth and nineteenth century grammar and usage books
This thesis is concerned with providing an analysis of data on modal verb forms in grammar and usage manuals in the Late Modern English period. I consider (a) the influence of the historical sociolinguistic context and (b) how such context may be incorporated in a network model of structure and use. This study aims to clarify the distinctive nature of the relationship between language and politeness in English and highlight some ways in which grammars and usage books are relevant in furthering our understanding of Late Modern English grammar. Chapter 1 focuses on the state of eighteenth and nineteenth century English society, in order to understand its influence on aspects of linguistic activities and the grammatical tradition of the time. We can see that there was particular attention paid towards the proper use of language and the concept of politeness, resulting in the publication of many grammar, usage and manner books. Chapter 2 looks at the concepts of mood and modality referring mainly to the grammar book of Late Modern English period. It is possible to recognise that the concept of modality is derived and developed from the one of mood. I examine the classification and description of the modal auxiliary
Obara, Hiroshi
Modality and politeness in Late Modern English : evidence from eighteenth and nineteenth century grammar and usage books. This thesis is concerned with providing an analysis of data on modal verb forms in grammar and usage manuals in the Late Modern English period. I consider (a) the influence of the historical sociolinguistic context and (b) how such context may be incorporated in a network model of structure and use. This study aims to clarify the distinctive nature of the relationship between language and politeness in English and highlight some ways in which grammars and usage books are relevant in furthering our understanding of Late Modern English grammar. Chapter 1 focuses on the state of eighteenth and nineteenth century English society, in order to understand its influence on aspects of linguistic activities and the grammatical tradition of the time. We can see that there was particular attention paid towards the proper use of language and the concept of politeness, resulting in the publication of many grammar, usage and manner books. Chapter 2 looks at the concepts of mood and modality referring mainly to the grammar book of Late Modern English period. It is possible to recognise that the concept of modality is derived and developed from the one of mood. I examine the classification and description of the modal auxiliary
modality politeness late modern english evidence grammar usage book concerned provide_analysis data modal_verb form grammar usage manual late modern english period consider influence historical sociolinguistic context context may incorporate network model structure use study aim_clarify distinctive nature_relationship language politeness english highlight way grammar usage book relevant further late modern english grammar focus state english_society order influence aspect linguistic activity grammatical tradition time see particular_attention_pay towards proper use language concept politeness result publication many grammar usage manner book look concept mood modality refer mainly grammar book late modern english period possible recognise concept modality derive developed mood examine classification description modal_auxiliary