Generally, Kortmann defines Contrastive Linguistics as the parallel comparison of two languages concerning their language parameters. According to him, it is especially important to identify separate bundles with structural differences and find the relation between them, the so-called “Kontrastbündel” (contrast bundles). Each one of these bundles can be deduced from the construction plan of the contrastive language.
In this regard, Kortmann starts his analysis by comparing his purpose of Contrastive Linguistics to its original use. He refers to the fact that in the early 40s till 60s these language differences were considered the reason for the problems occurring when learning a foreign language. Hence, Contrastive Linguistics was primarily important for pedagogical use. The systematic comparison of two languages was supposed to improve the learner’s and teacher’s understanding of the foreign language by for example predicting mistakes often made. In this context, Kortmann sees the previously mentioned Contrastive Hypothesis from Lado as a good explanation for the main factors which trigger contrasts.
The Contrastive Hypothesis indicates that similarities between the native language (L1) and the foreign language (L2) lead to an easy and fast learning process whereas differences lead to difficulties and are the main reason for making mistakes. Thus, the basic idea of the Contrastive Hypothesis is the transfer of the characteristics of the native language to the foreign language. Depending on whether this transfer promotes or represses the learning process, it is considered a positive or negative transfer. A negative transfer is also referred to as interference. The most important types of interference are substitution (1), over-differentiation, under-differentiation, over-representation and under-representation (2). Here, Kortmann comments that according to this basic assumption of Contrastive Linguistics only substitution, over-differentiation and under-differentiation can trigger mistakes.
Table of Contents
1. Definition of Contrastive Linguistics
1.1 Contrastive Hypothesis
1.2 Diachronic and synchronic Contrastive Linguistics
2. Contrasts in English and German grammar
2.1 Morphology
2.2 Word order
2.3 Relation of form and function
3. Conclusion
Objectives and Research Themes
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Contrastive Linguistics, specifically focusing on the systematic comparison of English and German grammatical systems. It explores the theoretical and applied dimensions of language comparison, investigating how cross-linguistic differences in morphology and syntax can influence the language learning process and the development of learner errors.
- The theoretical foundations and evolution of the Contrastive Hypothesis.
- The distinction between diachronic and synchronic approaches to linguistic comparison.
- An in-depth analysis of morphological and syntactic contrasts between English and German.
- The impact of language-internal information distribution on learner performance.
- The role of "loose-fit" language features in creating potential interpretation difficulties for learners.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 Morphology
The topics discussed in the previous chapter pose the question, what exactly inflectional and derivational morphology is. Linguist Joan Bybee describes these two components as “one of the most persistent undefinables in morphology” (Bybee 1985: 81) Richard Hudson, however, has found a quite accurate and short definition of both:
In a nutshell, inflectional morphology distinguishes different inflections of the same lexeme, whereas derivational morphology distinguishes different lexemes that are related to one another; but they both use much the same range of morphological resources to do it. (Hudson 2002)
In order to explain his definition he uses an easy example, stating that the –ing in (4a) is inflectional and represents only one of the four distinct forms of the verb, whereas it’s derivational in (4b) for it’s a distinct lexeme using one of its inflected forms.
Summary of Chapters
1. Definition of Contrastive Linguistics: Defines the systematic comparison of languages and introduces the Contrastive Hypothesis, detailing how native language interference affects the acquisition of foreign languages.
2. Contrasts in English and German grammar: Provides an analytical comparison of English and German, focusing on morphological structures, word order strategies, and the relationship between linguistic form and semantic function.
3. Conclusion: Summarizes the challenges of applying Contrastive Linguistics in a modern, evolving language landscape and reflects on how native speakers naturally adapt foreign language expressions.
Keywords
Contrastive Linguistics, English, German, Morphology, Syntax, Contrastive Hypothesis, Interference, Word Order, Diachronic, Synchronic, Language Learning, Grammar, Semantics, Error Analysis, Applied Linguistics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper systematically compares the English and German languages to trace their similarities and differences, specifically within the field of Contrastive Linguistics.
What are the central thematic areas covered?
Key themes include the Contrastive Hypothesis, the distinction between diachronic and synchronic linguistics, and specific grammatical contrasts such as word order, morphology, and case systems.
What is the core research objective?
The objective is to explain the concept of Contrastive Linguistics and illustrate how comparing English and German grammatical issues can aid in understanding learner difficulties and the evolution of language.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author utilizes an analytical, comparative approach, drawing on established linguistic theories and empirical examples from authors such as Kortmann, Lado, and Hudson.
What does the main body address?
The main body examines the definition of Contrastive Linguistics, the Contrastive Hypothesis, and specific structural contrasts in English and German, including morphology, word order, and the relationship between form and function.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Prominent keywords include Contrastive Linguistics, English, German, Morphology, Syntax, Contrastive Hypothesis, and Error Analysis.
How does the author define "contrast bundles"?
Kortmann defines contrast bundles as specific clusters of structural differences identified during the parallel comparison of two language systems.
Why does the author consider English a "loose-fit" language?
The author uses this term to describe the loose relationship between form and meaning in English, which has resulted from the historical loss of inflectional morphology.
How does the paper differentiate between substitution, over-differentiation, and under-differentiation?
The author categorizes these as types of interference: substitution involves misusing familiar words, over-differentiation involves failing to differentiate terms that exist in L1 but not L2, and under-differentiation is the inverse, where L2 distinctions are not recognized in L1.
- Quote paper
- Julia Schönmann (Author), 2014, Inflectional and Derivational Morphology, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/273315
