Western Kentucky University
A Study of the Linguistic Semantic and Sociolinguistic Components of the English Modal System
Abstract
dc:description.abstract<p>In this thesis I examine the linguistic, semantic and sociolinguistic components of the English modal system and the difficulty the system presents to both instructors and learners of English as a second language (ESL). The purpose of this study was to determine what these components are and how they affect communication. I begin by defining what modality is and how it is manifested in English. The focus is upon the one-word modals and not the phrasal modals; however, some phrasal modals are explicated when a contrast exists between the meaning of the one-word modal and its phrasal equivalent. After the modal is defined, problem areas of form and meaning are explicated. Then, a review of how grammar, specifically modals, has been taught in the field of Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) follows. In this review, second language acquisition research is also examined for its influence on grammar pedagogy.</p>
Degree
thesis:*- Name thesis:degree_name
- Master of Arts
- Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
- Department of English
- Year
- 1994
Author and committee
dc:creator, dc:contributor.*- Author dc:creator
-
- Hutcheson, Jeffery
Subjects
dc:subject × 2Identifiers
dc:identifier.*- Repository record dc:identifier
- https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/972
- OAI identifier oai:identifier
- oai:digitalcommons.wku.edu:theses-1975