IMPROPER USES OF WORDS IN UNPOLISHED WRITTEN SPEECH AND COMBINATORY LANGUAGE MECHANISM


2014. № 2 (2), 178-191

Russian State University for the Humanities

Abstract:

Having a lot of features of spontaneous speech, unpolished written speech always contains various deviations from standard language. Ana- lyzing them one can study and describe the fluctuation of word combinations. In the language system, it is maybe the main source of language variability. Linguists explain word combination power by compatibility of semantic components as well as unmotivated usage requirements. However, usage fluctuations can be explained as well. Similarity or contiguity of situations, individual cognitive processes peculiarities (such as a conceptual picture of the world, speed and precision of speech generation), social orientation (aiming at a standard or fashion) can change word combinations. Mother tongue teaching also influences the word combining process. Teaching should form language introspection and some special speech strategies. It is very important to distinguish in speech “one’s own words” from “somebody’s words” (especially cliches). In grammar syntax must be in focus. The author’s statements are based on plentiful examples from Russian students’ compositions.