Letters
-
Alexander Bergs
Abstract
This paper explores the question how far “letters” as one specific text type can be subdivided into smaller groups of texts (i.e. subtypes such as “requests”, “orders”, or “reports”) on the basis of socio-psychological and pragmatic dimensions and factors, including speech act and accommodation theory. This paper argues that this differentiation into socio-pragmatic subtypes actually can be made and that these subtypes materialize in significant systematic morphosyntactic variability. The idea is explored and illustrated on the basis of pronoun and relativizer variation in the late Middle English Paston Letters. In particular, it is shown how authors use their individual stylistic freedom to pursue specific communicative goals in different types of letters.
Abstract
This paper explores the question how far “letters” as one specific text type can be subdivided into smaller groups of texts (i.e. subtypes such as “requests”, “orders”, or “reports”) on the basis of socio-psychological and pragmatic dimensions and factors, including speech act and accommodation theory. This paper argues that this differentiation into socio-pragmatic subtypes actually can be made and that these subtypes materialize in significant systematic morphosyntactic variability. The idea is explored and illustrated on the basis of pronoun and relativizer variation in the late Middle English Paston Letters. In particular, it is shown how authors use their individual stylistic freedom to pursue specific communicative goals in different types of letters.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- About the authors vii
- Introduction 1
- Power and politeness 13
- Letters 27
- Text in context 47
- Intertextual networks in the correspondence of Lady Katherine Paston 73
- Inside and out 89
- Yours sincerely and yours affectionately 115
- “The pleasure of receiving your favour” 131
- Susan Fitzmaurice, The Familiar Letter in Early Modern English: A Pragmatic Approach. 155
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- About the authors vii
- Introduction 1
- Power and politeness 13
- Letters 27
- Text in context 47
- Intertextual networks in the correspondence of Lady Katherine Paston 73
- Inside and out 89
- Yours sincerely and yours affectionately 115
- “The pleasure of receiving your favour” 131
- Susan Fitzmaurice, The Familiar Letter in Early Modern English: A Pragmatic Approach. 155
