Vague Language, Elasticity Theory and the Use of Some: A Comparative Study of L1 and L2 Speakers in Educational Settings

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In Vague Language, Elasticity Theory and the Use of Some, Nguyet Nhu Le and Grace Qiao Zhang present the first comprehensive study of the word some, focusing on its elasticity. In particular, they consider how some is both a quantifier and a qualifier, has positive or negative meanings, and has local and global interpretations. They show that the word is used across a meaning continuum and can be used to convey a range of states, including approximation, uncertainty, politeness, and evasion. Finally, they demonstrate that the functions of some are also multi-directional and non-categorical, consisting of four major functions (right amount of information, mitigation, withholding information, and discourse management). Based on naturally-occurring classroom data of L1 (American English) and L2 (Chinese- and Vietnamese-speaking learners of English) speakers, Vague Language shows that L2 speakers used some more than L1 speakers and explores the significance of this, particularly taking account of speakers language ability and cultural backgrounds. While this book focuses on the single word some, the authors discussion has important implications for language studies more generally, as they call for a rethinking of our approaches to language study and more attention to its elasticity.

Reviews

A welcome book which provides a wealth of data and potentially interesting ideas on some which can be used to help linguists and language teachers understand the differences between different L1 and L2 groups. It prompts questions about whether some is a device that L2 speakers use to avoid more complex and linguistically demanding explanations or whether they use some to cover gaps in their lexical stores. * Journal of Pragmatics *
The book reveals the elasticity of 'some' in language communication and the importance of Elasticity Theory in the studies of vague languages by the corpus-based linguistic and pragmatic approaches to the elasticity of 'some' in English uses in three different cultural/educational settings. It fills the gap in the existing literature by bringing new insights to the study of some and beyond. -- Wu Shixiong, Professor of Linguistics, Fujian Teachers University, China.
Solidly grounded in a mixed-methods approach in its research design, Nhu Nguyet Le and Grace Qiao Zhangs book provides a wealth of insight into how the vague item some is used by both American English speakers as well as Chinese and Vietnamese learners of English. Drawing on insight from Grace Zhangs intellectually stimulating theory of vague language elasticity, the book throws light on how some can be used in pragmatically elastic ways by culturally diverse interactants. If you are researching vague language use, Le and Zhangs book has a lot to offer. -- Vahid Parvaresh, Lecturer in Linguistics, Anglia Ruskin University, UK
By a mixed method of quantitative and qualitative approaches to the mixed resources of the vague word some, Nhu Nguyet Le and Grace Qiao Zhang are making their further contribution to the elasticity of natural languages. If you are in any way concerned with demystifying how human beings configure the world and communicate it economically, you owe it to yourself to read this book. -- Robin Hongshen Zhang, Deputy Dean of School of Humanities, Fujian University of Technology, China
This impressive and engaging book by Nhu Nguyet Le and Grace Qiao Zhang is the first to provide a systematic and comprehensive analysis of some through the fresh elasticity theory. The authors look at the versatile pragmatic functions as well as lexical and syntactic roles this vague item performs in spoken educational contexts. Adopting a mixed-methods approach for the readers profound understanding of the functions of some in L1 versus L2, this insightful book can serve an invaluable resource for all involved in pragmatics and intercultural communication. * Peyman G.P. Sabet, ESL teaching academic, Curtin University, Australia *

Author Bio

Grace Qiao Zhang is an Associate Professor at Curtin University, Australia. She was awarded a Ph.D. in Linguistics by the University of Edinburgh, UK. She has published extensively on linguistics and Chinese linguistics. Nhu Nguyet Le has a PhD in Linguistics from Curtin University, Australia and is a researcher in vague language.