Linguistics Features Constructing Discourse
in English: The English Vocabulary 

Development and Structure

This session examines the historical evolution of the English vocabulary, tracing influences from Old English, Latin, French, and beyond. Participants will learn about morphological processes such as compounding, derivation, and borrowing that have enriched English lexicon. Emphasis will also be on word formation patterns and the distinction between core and borrowed lexicon, shedding light on how these contribute to English’s adaptability and expressiveness in discourse. Discussions may also touch upon the globalization of English and its impact on modern vocabulary.

Deixis and Its Role in Conversational Interaction

Deixis refers to words and expressions that are context-dependent, such as "here", "now", "I", and "that". This session explores how deictic elements anchor conversations to specific times, places, and perspectives, creating coherence and facilitating mutual understanding. Real-world conversational examples will illustrate how deixis functions dynamically in spoken discourse. The role of deixis in narrative and rhetorical strategies, such as anchoring audience engagement, will also be discussed.

Tense and Aspect in English

This session delves into the English tense and aspect system, explaining how they are used to express temporal relationships and situational nuances. Participants will explore differences between simple, progressive, perfect, and perfect-progressive aspects, along with their implications for discourse. Special attention will be given to how tense and aspect choices affect narrative structure, clarity, and emphasis in both written and spoken English.

Politeness and Language Use

The final session investigates how politeness strategies shape discourse and interaction. Drawing on theories by Brown and Levinson, the session will explain how linguistic features like indirectness, modal verbs, and honorifics maintain social harmony and manage face-threatening acts. Case studies of real interactions will showcase differences in politeness strategies across contexts, genres, and cultures.

DOI: 10.57596/1-1-16-17-10-2024