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    Elastic language: How and why we stretch our words

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    Fulltext not available
    Authors
    Zhang, Grace
    Date
    2015
    Type
    Book
    
    Metadata
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    Citation
    Zhang, G. 2015. Elastic language: How and why we stretch our words. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
    ISBN
    9781107028449
    School
    School of Education
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/46925
    Collection
    • Curtin Research Publications
    Abstract

    © Grace Q. Zhang 2015. Elastic language carries non-specific and stretchable meaning, as in 'He loves her, kind of'. It is used like a slingshot, targeting various strategic goals. Consolidating current research and charting new directions, this book develops a refreshing theory of elasticity, empirically attested by natural language data from tension-prone encounters between Australian Customs officers and passengers. The theory proposes three principles (fluidity, stretchability and strategy) and offers a systematic look at how elastic language, as a sliding scale, works to balance strengthening and weakening speech tones, to firm and soften a speaker's stance, and to reveal and evade the truth. The comparative analysis of forms, functions, and context confirms that elastic language is fluid, stretchable, and strategic. It serves both cooperative and competitive functions, and social and speech factors impact on its use. This book will appeal to students and researchers working in pragmatics, applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, and communication.

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