First, the development of adjective forms of comparison should be clarified from the old English untill nowadays to explain the shifts of comparative structures in two national standards. The major change in the development of comparative formation across time span is the shift in American English from synthetic to analytic comparatives. The Standard English shows another pattern of development: the change from analytic to synthetic comparatives.
Secondly, the major differences between British and American varieties in the usage of adjective forms should be explained. Focusing on the syllabic structure and frequency of adjectives, it will be shown that American English prefers more analytic comparatives than British English. Additionally, American variety uses fewer comparatives of both synthetic and analytic kind than British variety (Gonzalez-Diaz 2008, Hilpert 2007, Mondorf 2009, Kytö and Romaine 2000). Moreover, the investigation of different text types and complexity of those texts will help to explain the difference in usage of adjective comparison between two national standards.
Finally, the development of American English in relation to British English will be outlined. In most cases, American English develops independently from British English in terms of adjective formation. American variety prefers innovations whereas British variety tends to preserve older features. This supports the idea that American English does not follow the steps of British English in terms of comparative structure change. So, to regard the American variety as an instance of colonial lag should be misleading. A better understanding of these issues will be presented in the following pages.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Development of Comparatives in the History of English
- 3. Major Differences between British and American English in terms of Comparative Structures
- 4. Some Explanations toward the Preference of One Comparative Form over the Other in British and American English
- 5. Colonial Lag and Comparative Structures
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to investigate the development and differences in comparative adjective formation between British and American English. It explores the historical evolution of both synthetic and analytic comparatives, analyzes the current usage patterns in both varieties, and examines potential reasons for these differences.
- Historical development of comparative structures in English
- Comparative usage differences between British and American English
- Factors influencing the preference for synthetic vs. analytic comparatives
- The role of colonial lag in shaping American English comparative structures
- Syllabic structure and frequency of adjectives in relation to comparative usage
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper by outlining the key research questions. It highlights the similarities and differences between British and American English, particularly focusing on the formation of comparative adjectives using both synthetic (-er) and analytic (more) forms. The chapter establishes the central theme of investigating the historical development and contemporary variations in comparative structures across the two varieties, and the need to understand the reasons behind the observed preferences.
2. Development of Comparatives in the History of English: This chapter delves into the historical usage of synthetic and analytic comparative forms in English. It draws upon research by Kytö and Romaine to illustrate the shift from primarily synthetic comparatives in Old English to the increasing prevalence of analytic forms from the 13th century onwards, influenced by Latin and French. The chapter presents data comparing the usage of inflectional and periphrastic forms across different historical periods (Late Middle English, Early Modern English, and the British National Corpus), demonstrating the dominance of inflectional forms despite the emergence and growth of analytic forms. The chapter also notes the development of "multiple comparatives" (e.g., more greater) and its predominant use in British English.
3. Major Differences between British and American English in terms of Comparative Structures: This chapter focuses on the key differences in comparative adjective usage between British and American English. It explains how American English shows a stronger preference for analytic comparatives than British English, influenced by factors such as syllabic structure and frequency of adjectives. The chapter also highlights that American English employs fewer comparative forms overall compared to British English, drawing upon research from Gonzalez-Diaz (2008), Hilpert (2007), Mondorf (2009), and Kytö and Romaine (2000).
4. Some Explanations toward the Preference of One Comparative Form over the Other in British and American English: This chapter aims to provide explanations for the observed preferences for different comparative forms in British and American English. It will likely explore various linguistic and sociolinguistic factors. It will draw connections between the findings of the previous chapters and the underlying mechanisms causing the variation.
5. Colonial Lag and Comparative Structures: This chapter examines the relationship between British and American English comparative structures in the context of colonial lag. It investigates whether American English's comparative structures simply reflect a delayed adoption of changes seen in British English, or if independent developments have occurred. It will likely analyze the claim that American English is more conservative in its usage of synthetic comparatives.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
British English, American English, comparative adjectives, synthetic comparatives, analytic comparatives, colonial lag, language variation, historical linguistics, corpus linguistics, adjective formation.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparative Study of British and American English Comparative Structures
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper investigates the development and differences in comparative adjective formation between British and American English. It explores the historical evolution of both synthetic and analytic comparatives, analyzes current usage patterns, and examines potential reasons for these differences, including the impact of colonial lag.
What are the key themes explored in this paper?
The key themes include the historical development of comparative structures in English, comparative usage differences between British and American English, factors influencing the preference for synthetic vs. analytic comparatives (e.g., syllabic structure and frequency of adjectives), the role of colonial lag in shaping American English comparative structures, and the overall variation in comparative adjective usage.
What are the different types of comparative structures discussed?
The paper focuses on two main types of comparative structures: synthetic comparatives (using "-er," e.g., "bigger") and analytic comparatives (using "more," e.g., "more important"). It also mentions "multiple comparatives" (e.g., "more greater"), noting their predominant use in British English.
How does the paper approach the historical development of comparatives?
The paper traces the historical usage of synthetic and analytic comparative forms in English, highlighting the shift from primarily synthetic forms in Old English to the increasing prevalence of analytic forms from the 13th century onwards. It uses data from various historical corpora (Late Middle English, Early Modern English, and the British National Corpus) to illustrate these changes.
What are the major differences in comparative structures between British and American English?
American English shows a stronger preference for analytic comparatives ("more...") than British English. American English also employs fewer comparative forms overall compared to British English. These differences are linked to factors such as syllabic structure and frequency of adjectives.
What factors are considered to explain the differences in comparative usage?
The paper explores various linguistic and sociolinguistic factors to explain the observed preferences for different comparative forms in British and American English. It considers the influence of historical developments, syllabic structure, adjective frequency, and the potential role of colonial lag.
What is the role of "colonial lag" in shaping American English comparative structures?
The paper investigates whether American English's comparative structures reflect a delayed adoption of changes seen in British English or if independent developments have occurred. It examines the possibility that American English is more conservative in its usage of synthetic comparatives due to colonial lag.
What resources or data are used in the study?
The study draws upon research from various sources, including works by Kytö and Romaine, Gonzalez-Diaz (2008), Hilpert (2007), Mondorf (2009), and utilizes data from corpora such as the British National Corpus to support its analysis.
What are the key chapters and their contents?
The paper is structured with chapters covering an introduction, the historical development of comparatives in English, major differences in comparative structures between British and American English, explanations for the observed preferences, and finally, an examination of colonial lag and its influence on comparative structures.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
The keywords include British English, American English, comparative adjectives, synthetic comparatives, analytic comparatives, colonial lag, language variation, historical linguistics, corpus linguistics, and adjective formation.
- Quote paper
- Alina Müller (Author), 2010, Comparative Forms in British and American English, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/182424
