In the present paper, I will focus on central determiners: definite, indefinite and zero article and demonstrative determiners. We will examine the differences and similarities in their distribution and function for the purpose of raising teachers’ awareness of possible problem areas for Greek ESL learners.
The Modern Greek system of articles or central determiners does not correspond with the English one in every detail. Hence, mastering the correct use of the articles can present difficulties for Greek learners of English. According to Greenbaum and Quirk the term ‘determiner’ includes the definite/ indefinite [specific, generic] article the, a / an, the possessive article my, your, etc., the demonstrative article this, that, etc., quantifiers (some, few, etc.) and numerals (two, second, etc.).
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Differences and similarities in distribution and function of central determiners in English and Greek
a) The definite article
b) The indefinite article
c) The zero article
d) Demonstrative determiners
e) Poly-definite construction or determiner spreading in Modern Greek
3. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
The paper provides a contrastive linguistic analysis of the English and Modern Greek systems of central determiners, specifically focusing on the definite, indefinite, and zero articles, as well as demonstrative determiners. The primary goal is to examine the differences and similarities in distribution and function between these two languages to raise awareness for potential learning difficulties faced by Greek students of English.
- Contrastive analysis of definite and indefinite articles in English and Greek.
- Function and distribution of zero articles in specific grammatical contexts.
- Comparative analysis of demonstrative determiners and their spatial/temporal usage.
- Examination of the "poly-definite construction" unique to Modern Greek.
- Pedagogical implications for teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to Greek learners.
Excerpt from the Book
The functions of the definite article in English
Usually the definite article in English is used with definite / specific reference. Regarding count nouns in singular, the main function of the definite article is to signal ‘identifiability’. By using the definite article, the speaker signals to the hearer that the referent described by the relevant noun phrase should be identifiable (i.e. known, familiar) by him (Siemund 2013: 88). The use of the definite article is based on three different kinds of knowledge: knowledge of the world, knowledge of one’s culture and / or knowledge of the English grammar.
We refer to our knowledge of the world when we use the to indicate ‘unique’ elements, such as the sun and the moon. In a prototype situation like visiting a restaurant, we rely on the knowledge of our culture. We may ask the waiter to bring the menu because restaurants usually have a single menu. Thus, the use of the definite article is generally intelligible for both speaker and listener. The choice of the definite article may also be made for reasons of grammar, e.g. in the clause John plays the piano (Kanellou 2004: 437f).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter outlines the scope of the study, defining the central determiners under investigation and establishing the need for a contrastive analysis to assist Greek learners of English.
2. Differences and similarities in distribution and function of central determiners in English and Greek: The core chapter provides a detailed examination of how definite, indefinite, zero, and demonstrative articles function in both languages, including the specific phenomenon of determiner spreading in Greek.
3. Conclusion: The concluding chapter synthesizes the main findings, highlighting key linguistic oppositions and providing pedagogical suggestions for addressing common errors in Greek ESL learners.
Keywords
Central determiners, English language, Modern Greek, contrastive linguistics, definite article, indefinite article, zero article, demonstrative determiners, determiner spreading, poly-definite construction, ESL learning, syntax, morphosyntax, language interference, pedagogical grammar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental subject of this academic paper?
This paper focuses on a contrastive linguistic analysis comparing the systems of central determiners (definite, indefinite, zero, and demonstrative) in English and Modern Greek.
What are the central thematic fields covered in this study?
The study centers on the functional and distributional differences of articles, the role of gender/number/case agreement, and the specific structural variations found in Modern Greek noun phrases.
What is the primary goal or research question of the work?
The primary goal is to identify discrepancies and similarities between the two languages to improve the teaching of English grammar to Greek students, specifically targeting common error-prone areas.
Which scientific methods are employed for this analysis?
The author uses a contrastive analysis method, utilizing interlinear translations from literature (such as Gouyoumtzian’s short stories) to illustrate how these determiners function in continuous, authentic discourse.
What is discussed in the main body of the paper?
The main body examines the specific usage of the definite, indefinite, and zero articles, the nuances of demonstrative determiners, and the specific phenomenon of poly-definiteness or determiner spreading in Modern Greek.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
Key terms include contrastive linguistics, central determiners, determiner spreading, Greek ESL learners, and morphosyntactic variation.
How does the definite article usage differ between English and Greek?
Greek often requires the definite article in contexts where English uses the zero article, such as with proper nouns, abstract nouns, and specific titles, leading to potential "interference errors" for learners.
What is "determiner spreading" in the context of Modern Greek?
Determiner spreading (or poly-definiteness) is a grammatical feature in Greek where a determiner is present not just before the noun, but also before the adjectives modifying that noun, which is not possible in English.
How do demonstrative determiners vary between the two languages?
While both languages use determiners to express proximity or distance, Greek possesses three different demonstrative forms and allows them to be placed either before or after the noun, unlike the fixed pre-nominal position in English.
What does the author suggest for error correction in an ESL classroom?
The author suggests that teachers should provide explicit metalinguistic input and use recasts to contrast the learner's mother tongue with English features to raise awareness and avoid language interference.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Marie Annette Laufer (Autor:in), 2017, A contrastive analysis of the English and Greek system of central determiners, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/455183
