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Korean Job Discussion Forums
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Thiuda
Joined: 14 Mar 2006
Location: Religion ist f�r Sklaven geschaffen, f�r Wesen ohne Geist.
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 Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2010 6:48 am Post subject: |
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| lifeinkorea wrote: |
| The language as a body of words and grammar is just as arbitrary as the day the first word entered the language. |
I partially agree with you're saying. Sound and meaning are paired arbitrarily. Syntax, however, is not arbitrary, far from it, it is a discrete combinatorial system, i.e. a system of rules that, in combination with a lexicon of words, generates an infinite number of grammatical structures. We have to teach our students the sound and meaning pairs, as well as the rules that govern which combinations are licit. |
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lifeinkorea
Joined: 24 Jan 2009
Location: somewhere in China
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| Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2010 5:01 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| Syntax, however, is not arbitrary, far from it, it is a discrete combinatorial system |
Yes, and I am saying there is a certain amount we use on a daily basis. Then, it becomes useless and pointless to learn unless we are taking a test.
Think of it like a muscle. I could work out in a gym and get big and strong. But, when I am 80 or 90, those muscles will have reduced in size. Yet, I still use the same muscle "power" to carry a bag of groceries to my apartment.
Some people work out to impress, but beyond the Hollywood glamor and ability to use 2 or 3 letters before your name there isn't much point in calling you a "star" or "doctor". |
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nathanrutledge
Joined: 01 May 2008
Location: Marakesh
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| Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2010 7:02 pm Post subject: |
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Oxford's Practical English Usage, 3rd Edition
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370 negative structures (4): double negatives
1 English and other languages
In some languages, a negative word like nobody, nothing ornever has to be used with a negative verb. In standard English, nobody, nothing, never etc are themselves enough to give a negative meaning, and not is unnecessary.
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There is an example list, too. One of the examples is "Tell them nothing." If you add "You must" to the front, it's an exact parallel.
Under 370(4), entry 3 discusses double and multiple negatives and their meanings. An example there is "Say nothing" which has the meaning of (Be silent). So again, your sentence "Draw nothing" is correct. |
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