Monday, January 11, 2021
Shakespeare’s Tragedies with Short Description of Characters (Part-2)
Saturday, January 2, 2021
What is Language? Properties and Characteristics of Language
What is Language? Properties and Characteristics of Language
Human beings have felt the necessity of a medium to communicate with each other from the very beginning of civilization. Language has helped in this purpose. Without language, we could not come to as we know now it. Besides its being a means of communication, it is mandatory in all sectors of life. However, animals also communicate with one another through their own language. But it is a human language that marks a difference between human beings and animals.
What is the definition of language?
Language refers to a system of communication in which human beings, as members of society, communicate with one another by talking, writing, or by the sign.
"A language is a structured system of communication used by humans. Languages consist of spoken sounds in spoken languages or written elements in written languages."
["Language definition and meaning Collins English Dictionary". www.collinsdictionary.com.]
Now, we can mention some definitions from classic works by well-known linguists-
Hall defines language as-
“the institution whereby humans communicate and interact with each other by means of habitually used oral-auditory arbitrary symbols’’.
[An Essay on Language, 1960:158]
Bloch & Trager define language as-
‘‘A language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols by means of which a social group co-operates’’.
[Outline of Linguistic Analysis,1942:5]
Chomsky tells us strikingly a very different note of transformational grammar-
‘‘From now I will consider a language to be a set of sentences, each finite in length and constructed out of a finite set of elements’’.
[Syntactic Structures,1957:13]
R.H. Robins says-
‘‘Languages are infinitely extendable and modifiable according to the changing needs and conditions of the speakers’’.
[The Structure of Language, 1971:13]
You May Need:
What are Standard, Nonstandard, Foreign, First, and Second Language?
Report Writing, Types of Report with How to Write a Good Report??
Argumentative Essay: How to Write an Argumentative Essay?
What is a CV? How to Write a Standard Curriculum vitae in English.
Properties of Language:
There are many properties of language. Some of them are given below-
- Reflexivity
- Displacement
- Arbitrariness
- Productivity
- Cultural Transmission
- Duality
Reflexivity:
Reflexivity is the first and most essential property of language. We can use language to assume and point out language itself, making it one of the distinguishing aspects of human language. We can't reflect on or discover any of the other distinct properties of human language except this property.
Displacement:
Displacement means to exchange the order or to go back. Human beings can refer to past and future times. This property of the human language is known as displacement. It permits language users to talk about matters and activities not existing within the current environment.
Arbitrariness:
Arbitrariness refers to the component of language where there is no natural connection between linguistic symptoms and objects. For example, there may be no natural connection between the word ’table’ and consequently the object made from wooden with poles to help and a flat top.
Productivity:
Humans always create new expressions by manipulating their linguistic resources. It is used to describe new objects and situations. This property is well-known as productivity or ‘creativity’ or ‘open-mindedness’. It means that the potential range of utterances in any human language is infinite.
Cultural Transmission:
Cultural Transmission refers to the process where a language is transmitted from one era to another. For instance, if a baby born in Saudi Arabia is adopted by way of Bangladeshi parents, the baby will talk the Bangla language fluently in Bangladesh while his/her physical appearance will be in Saudi Arabia.
Duality:
Duality refers to "double articulation". Human language is organized at two levels simultaneously. This property is called duality. As individual sounds, they don’t suggest anything. But we are in a position to mix them into bin or nib. So at one level, we have distinct sounds, and at any other level, we have distinct meanings.
Characteristics of Language:
1. Language is Arbitrary:
Language is absolutely arbitrary as there is no inherent connection between the nature of matters or ideas the language deals with. On the other hand, these things and ideas are expressed. There is no reason why a ‘single term’ pronounced otherwise through distinctive communities.
The decision of a word selected to mean a particular issue or concept is honestly arbitrary. It would possibly be seen that if a language is not been arbitrary, there would have been simply a single language that remained throughout the world. That why we can think about language as arbitrary vocal symbols.
2. Language is a Social Phenomenon:
In a sense, language must be viewed as a social phenomenon. Language is social that exists in our human society; it is a means of nourishing and developing culture and organizing human relations. As a member of a particular social group, we human beings interact with every other, which approves us to become aware of one another. This is how language is the section and parcel of our society. Language exists in the public area, is an approach for feeding and growing society, and sets up human relations.
3. Language is a Symbolic System:
Language signifies as a symbolic system. It consists of unique kinds of sound symbols for concepts, things, ideas, objects, etc. Language has sounds and words as symbols. The language uses words essentially as symbols and not as signs and symptoms for the idea represented by using them.
4. Language is Systematic:
In spite of the reality that language is symbolic, its symbols are arranged in specific systems. All languages have their arrangement of plans. Each language is an association of systems. Furthermore, all languages have phonological and syntactic structures and within a system, there are additionally various sub-systems.
5. Language is Vocal, Verbal, and Sound:
Language refers to a system of vocal and verbal symbolism and communication. It is surely comprised of vocal sounds simply created with the aid of a physiological articulatory component in the human body. Language takes verbal components such as sounds, words, and phrases which are constant up in certain methods to make several sentences. Language is vocal and sound is produced through special speech organs. Writing can be regarded as a wise platform to signify vocal sounds. It is the representation of the speech sounds of the language.
6. Language is Non-Instinctive, Conventional:
No language used to be made in multi-day out of a normally settled upon the recipe through a gathering of people. Language is the result of development and tradition. Every age transmits this subculture on to the following.
7. Language is Productive and Creative:
Language has it’s very own effectiveness and innovativeness. The auxiliary factors of human language joined to created new expressions. They neither the speaker nor his/her listeners can also ever have made or heard previously. Truly, the two facets are aware of barring trouble. Language can be modified as indicated by using the requirements of human society. After all, language has the energy of productiveness and creativity.
8. Language is a System of Communication:
Language is strong, handy and the quality shape of conversation for no doubt. It is a quality way to specify everything. It is thru language that we human beings categorical our thoughts, desires, feelings, and feelings. Further, we can engage with every different without problems via the welfare of language. After all, we might also say that language is a high-quality machine of verbal exchange around the world.
9. Language is Human and Structurally Complex:
Human language is open-minded, extendable, and modifiable in opposite to animal language. Language ought to be modifiable from time to time. No species different than human beings have been endowed with the language. So we can say that language is naturally human and in some cases, structurally complicated and modifiable.
10. Language is Unique, Complex, and Modifiable:
It’s proper that language is a special phenomenon in the world. Every language has its personal traits and extraordinary features. Furthermore, every language has its very own creativity and productivity to supply the first-class approaches to speak with every other. And this is how language has its very own potentiality to be unique, complicated, and modifiable by means of the exchange of time and culture.
In Conclusion, it can be said that these traits of a language are part and parcel to construct the authenticity of any language. It is the way by which we can communicate with one another. So, we should learn the language with all its aspects.
Sources Referred:
"An Introduction to Language"- Victoria Fromkin, Robert Rodman and Nina Hyams
"Language, An Introductory Reader" J. Burl Hodgins and Robert E. Yarber
Aitchison, J. (2007) "The Articulate Mammal: An Introduction to Psycholinguistics"
Yule, G. (2005) The Study of Language (3 rev edn) Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Saturday, December 26, 2020
Shakespeare’s Tragedies with Short Description of Characters (Part-1)
Shakespeare’s Tragedies with Short description of Characters
In Shakespeare's tragedies, the protagonist has a flaw that results in his or her downfall. There are both internal and external struggles. They often have a bit of the supernatural element. Often there are characters that have the work of lightening the mood, but the general tone of the piece is sort of serious. There are 10 Shakespearean plays generally known as tragedy. They are as follows:
Antony and Cleopatra
Characters in the Play:
Antony:
A fierce and feared soldier. He rules the Roman Empire along with Octavius Caesar and Lepidus. At the beginning of the play, Antony has neglected his duties as a ruler. He carries on a highly visible romance with Cleopatra. His loyalty is split between the Western and Eastern worlds. He feels the necessity to reaffirm respect. It has made him a celebrated Roman hero. He's also head over heels in love with Cleopatra.
Cleopatra:
The beautiful queen of Egypt and Antony’s lover. A highly attractive woman who once seduced Caesar. Cleopatra delights into the thought that she has caught Antony. In matters of love, Cleopatra favors high drama. Her emotions are as volatile as they're theatrical, and, no matter whether her audience is her handmaid or the emperor of Rome. She always offers top-notch performance.
Octavius Caesar:
The nephew and adopted son of Caesar. Ambitious and very pragmatic, Octavius lacks Antony’s military might as a general.
Enobarbus:
Enobarbus is Antony’s most loyal supporter. He abandons Antony only appears to be completely finished.
Marcus Aemilius Lepidus:
The third member of the triumvirate and therefore the weakest, both politically and personally.
Pompey:
The son of an excellent general who was one among Julius Caesar’s partners in power. Pompey is young and fashionable to the Roman people. He possesses enough military might face as a legitimate threat to the triumvirs. He fancies himself honorable for refusing to permit his men to kill Caesar. Antony and Lepidus once are his guests.
Octavia:
Octavius Caesar’s sister. Octavia marries Antony so as to cement an alliance between the 2 triumvirs. She is a victim of Antony’s deception.
Charmian and Iras:
Cleopatra’s faithful attendants.
The Soothsayer:
An Egyptian fortune-teller. He follows Antony to Rome and predicts that his fortune will always pale as compared to Caesar’s.
Dolabella:
One of Octavius Caesar’s men. Dolabella is appointed to protect the captive Cleopatra.
Agrippa:
One of Octavius Caesar’s officers. Agrippa leads the retreat from Antony’s powerful forces.
Camidius:
A general in Antony’s army. After the battle, Camidius surrenders and defects to Caesar’s side.
Ventidius:
A Roman soldier under Antony’s command. Ventidius leads the legions to victory against the dominion of Parthia. Although a competent fighter, he decides to not push his troops further into battle.
Scarus:
A brave young soldier serving under Antony. Scarus is wounded in the battle against Caesar’s army.
Proculeius:
Proculeius is one of Caesar’s soldiers. He proves himself untrustworthy.
Diomedes:
He is Cleopatra’s servant. She appoints Diomedes to bring back Antony the message. the message is that she has not committed suicide but remains alive.
Eros:
Eros is an attendant serving Antony. Eros loves his master. So, he refuses Antony’s order to kill him.
Menas:
An ambitious young soldier under Pompey. At the time of the banquet, Menas asks for permission to kill Caesar, Antony, and Lepidus. which might end in the control of the planet falling into his master’s hands.
Seleucus:
He is Cleopatra’s treasurer. He betrays his master.
Clown:
He is an Egyptian person. He brings a basket of figs containing poisonous snakes to Cleopatra.
Decretas:
He is one of Antony’s soldiers.
Characters in Shakespeare's Coriolanus
Characters in Coriolanus:
Characters in Shakespeare's Hamlet
Characters in Hamlet:
Characters in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar
Characters in Julius Caesar:
Julius Caesar:
He is a superb Roman general and senator. He has lately returned to Rome in triumph after a successful army campaign.
Antony:
He is a close friend of Caesar. Antony claims allegiance to Brutus and the conspirators after Caesar’s loss of life to save his very own life.
Octavius:
He is no longer only Caesar’s adopted son however additionally an appointed successor. Octavius returns after Caesar’s loss of life from abroad.
Brutus:
He is a supporter of the republic, a government guided through the votes of senators. Brutus loves Roman general and senator Caesar as a friend.
Cassius:
He is a proficient general. Cassius does not like the reality that Caesar has become godlike in the eyes of the Romans.
Calpurnia:
She is Caesar’s wife. Calpurnia invests remarkable authority in omens and portents.
Casca:
Casca is a public figure. He antagonistic Caesar’s rise to power.
Portia:
He is Brutus’s spouse who is the daughter of a noble Roman. He took sides in opposition to Caesar.
Cicero:
He is also a Roman senator who is renowned for his oratorical skill. Senator Cicero speaks at Caesar’s triumphal parade. His death used to be at the order of Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus.
Flavius:
He is a tribune. He is a respectable elected with the aid of the people to protect their rights.
Lepidus:
Lepidus is a member of Antony and Octavius’s coalition. His position is third in this coalition. Octavius trusts his loyalty though Antony has a low opinion of Lepidus.
Murellus:
He condemns and blames the plebeians for their fickleness in cheering Caesar. Murellus and Flavius are punished for putting off the decorations from Caesar’s statues throughout Caesar’s triumphal parade.
Decius:
A member of the conspiracy. Decius leads Caesar properly into the fingers of the conspirators.
Characters in Shakespeare's King Lear
Character list of King Lear:
King Lear:
King Lear is the king of Britain. Lear is the protagonist of the tragedy ' King Lear'. His willingness to agree with empty flattery leads to the deaths of many people.
Cordelia:
Cordelia is Lear's youngest daughter. She absolutely loves her father. She refused to flatter him. This leads her to a tragic death.
Regan:
She is Lear's 2nd daughter. Regan joins forces with Goneril to ruin their father. Regan in the beginning seems less harsh than her elder sister. Lastly, she proves to be as blood-thirsty as Goneril.
Goneril:
She is Lear's eldest daughter. After professing her deep love for her father, she betrays him and plots to kill his mother.
Fool:
He is a loyal member of the king's court. The Fool assumes the function of protector to Lear when Cordelia is banished.
Earl of Gloucester:
Earl of Gloucester is Lear's cohort and loyal friend. Gloucester is a silly historical man. His lack of ability to see the fact in his youngest son's phrases is parallel to Lear.
Earl of Kent / Caius:
He is Lear's loyal friend and supporter. Although banished, Kent disguises himself as Ctort to remain close to his king.
Edgar / Poor Tom:
He is Gloucester's older son. Edgar is Gloucester's only reputable heir. He ought to flee and conceal from his father, disguised as Poor Tom when he comes beneath suspicion.
Edmund:
He is Gloucester's younger, illegitimate, son. He is an opportunist whose ambitions lead him to structure a union with Goneril and Regan.
Duke:
Duke of Albany is Goneril's husband. Albany grows in stature throughout the play. Eventually, he finds the energy to resist his wife's efforts to have Lear killed.
Duke of Cornwall:
Duke of Cornwall is Regan's brutal husband. Cornwall is vicious and savage as he tries to dispose of Lear and Gloucester.
Oswald:
Oswald is Goneril's steward. Oswald is a willing confederate to Goneril's plotting and proves a foil to Kent's devotion to Lear.
King of France:
King of France Marries Cordelia. France is honorable and willing to help Cordelia's efforts to rescue her father.
Duke of Burgundy:
Duke of Burgundy is a Suitor for Cordelia. Burgundy rejects Cordelia when he knows that she will bring him no wealth as dowry.
Curran:
He is Gloucester's servant.
Servants to Cornwall:
He is Cornwall's retainers, who assault him in defense of Gloucester.
Old Man:
He is the tenant of Gloucester.
Doctor:
He is an attendant to Cordelia.
To Know More:
Shakespeare’s Tragedies with Short Description of Characters (Part-2)
Saturday, December 19, 2020
Shakespeare’s Tragedies, Comedies, & Historical Writings
Shakespeare’s Tragedies, Comedies and Historical Writings
Shakespeare’s Tragedies:
In Shakespeare's tragedies, the protagonist has a flaw that results in his (and/or her) downfall. There are both internal and external struggles. They often have a bit of the supernatural element. Often there are characters that have the work of lightening the mood, but the general tone of the piece is sort of serious. There are 10 Shakespearean plays generally known as tragedy. They are as follows:
Antony and Cleopatra
Coriolanus
Hamlet
Julius Caesar
King Lear
Macbeth
Othello
Romeo and Juliet
Timon of Athens
Titus Andronicus
Shakespeare’s Comedies:
Shakespeare's comedies are romances, tragicomedies, or "problem plays,". They are the dramas that have elements of humor, tragedy, and sophisticated plots. The 18 plays generally classified as a comedy. They are as follows:
"All's Well That Ends Well"
" The Comedy of Errors"
"Cymbeline"
"Love's Labour’s Lost"
"Measure for Measure"
"The Merry Wives of Windsor"
"The Merchant of Venice"
"A Midsummer Night's Dream"
" Much Ado About Nothing"
"Pericles, Prince of Tyre"
"The Taming of the Shrew"
"The Tempest"
" Troilus and Cressida"
"Twelfth Night"
"Two Gentlemen of Verona"
"The Two Noble Kinsmen"
"The Winter's Tale"
Shakespeare’s Historical Plays:
Shakespeare’s history plays are all about real and actual figures. However, it additionally can be argued that with the downfall portrayed of the kings in "Richard II" and "Richard III," They would easily be referred to as tragedy plays were the most persona of each fictional. The 10 plays typically categorized as historical plays are as follows:
- "Henry IV, Part I"
- "Henry IV, Part II"
- " Henry V"
- "Henry VI, Part I"
- "Henry VI, Part II"
- "Henry VI, Part III"
- " Henry VIII"
- "King John"
- "Richard II"
- "Richard III"
Biography of William Shakespeare
Biography William Shakespeare
Birth and childhood:
Marriage and children
Retirement and Death:
His Famous Works:
Why is Shakespeare so famous?
What makes Shakespeare unique?
What were Shakespeare's Likes/Hobbies?
Shakespeare loved board games, such as chess, draughts, and backgammon, and loved taking part in playing cards as well. He most likely loved wrestling, as in Elizabethan instances this was popular.What inspired Shakespeare's writing?
Shakespeare used tales and stories from older books of all kinds for his non-historical plays. He borrowed from Latin and Greek authors as properly as adapting memories from somewhere else in Europe. Hamlet is borrowed from an ancient Scandinavian tale, however, Romeo and Juliet come from an Italian author writing at the same time as Shakespeare.How has Shakespeare influenced literature?
Shakespeare's writings significantly influenced the whole English language. ... He improved the scope of English literature through introducing new words and phrases, experimenting with clean verse, and additionally introducing new poetic and grammatical structures.How did William Shakespeare have an Impact on Society?
William Shakespeare's plays, poems, and sonnets taught life instructions that are nevertheless relevant in modern-day society. In his opinion, love not only can conquer but also can destroy. People believe what they can't see, and those human ethics are effortlessly manipulated.Shakespeare’s Tragedies with Short Description of Characters (Part-2)
Shakespeare’s Tragedies with Short Description of Characters Character List of Shakespeare's Macbeth Lady Macbeth: Lady Macbeth is the ...