The role of context in the meaning specification of cant and slang words in eighteenth-century English
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Roxanne But
Abstract
This paper aims to explore the ways in which context is necessary for the meaning construction and understanding of the cant lexis (“thieves’ slang”) in actual language use. Taking a historical pragmatic approach, I investigate the use of one cant term (cull) in eighteenth-century texts drawn from two electronic resources: The Old Bailey Proceedings Online and The Eighteenth Century Collections Online (ECCO). My historical discourse analysis of cull demonstrates that context plays a dynamic role in the meaning specification of the term and that different layers of context (linguistic, textual, socio-historical, and cultural) need to be considered in relation to each other for understanding how the meanings of cull are negotiated and appropriated in real language use.
Abstract
This paper aims to explore the ways in which context is necessary for the meaning construction and understanding of the cant lexis (“thieves’ slang”) in actual language use. Taking a historical pragmatic approach, I investigate the use of one cant term (cull) in eighteenth-century texts drawn from two electronic resources: The Old Bailey Proceedings Online and The Eighteenth Century Collections Online (ECCO). My historical discourse analysis of cull demonstrates that context plays a dynamic role in the meaning specification of the term and that different layers of context (linguistic, textual, socio-historical, and cultural) need to be considered in relation to each other for understanding how the meanings of cull are negotiated and appropriated in real language use.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- Uncovering layers of meaning in the history of the English language 1
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Part I. Graphemics and phonology
- Layers of reading in the Old English Bede 19
- Unlikely-looking Old English verb forms 39
- On the importance of noting uncertainty in etymological research 63
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Part II. Lexicology and semantics
- “A Wiltshire word, according to Kennett” 81
- Enforcing or effacing useful distinctions? 99
- The role of context in the meaning specification of cant and slang words in eighteenth-century English 129
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Part III. Syntax
- Let’s talk about uton 157
- Exploring part-of-speech profiles and authorship attribution in Early Modern medical texts 185
- The positioning of adverbial clauses in the Paston letters 211
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Part IV. Genres
- Complexity and genre conventions 233
- Formulaic discourse across Early Modern English medical genres 257
- “Treasure of pore men”, “countrymans friend” or “gentlewomans companion”? 301
- “I saw ye Child burning in ye fire” 319
- Name index 343
- Subject index 345
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- Uncovering layers of meaning in the history of the English language 1
-
Part I. Graphemics and phonology
- Layers of reading in the Old English Bede 19
- Unlikely-looking Old English verb forms 39
- On the importance of noting uncertainty in etymological research 63
-
Part II. Lexicology and semantics
- “A Wiltshire word, according to Kennett” 81
- Enforcing or effacing useful distinctions? 99
- The role of context in the meaning specification of cant and slang words in eighteenth-century English 129
-
Part III. Syntax
- Let’s talk about uton 157
- Exploring part-of-speech profiles and authorship attribution in Early Modern medical texts 185
- The positioning of adverbial clauses in the Paston letters 211
-
Part IV. Genres
- Complexity and genre conventions 233
- Formulaic discourse across Early Modern English medical genres 257
- “Treasure of pore men”, “countrymans friend” or “gentlewomans companion”? 301
- “I saw ye Child burning in ye fire” 319
- Name index 343
- Subject index 345
