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alex19803011 Hello everyone, I have an additional question regarding what Derek…Hello everyone,

I have an additional question regarding what Derek Davy and David Crystal mean by “identification” in terms of their definition of the term “situation” in their book “Investigating English Style” as “that sub-set of non-linguistic events which are clearly relevant to the identification of the linguistic feature(s).

Question: Is the the term to be understood in two ways or twofold? So Davy and Crystal seem to say on the one hand that people identify linguistic features with non-linguistic events all the time. It helps them in their understanding. On the other hand in terms of language style by uncovering the identity between linguistic features and non-linguistic events it helps to find out why certain words are used in certain situations in terms of style.

I mean: On one hand, people naturally identify linguistic features with non-linguistic events in their everyday understanding of language. This identification process helps them make sense of language and its connection to the broader context in which it is used.

On the other hand, when it comes to language style, uncovering the relationship between linguistic features and non-linguistic events becomes particularly valuable. By recognizing this connection, individuals can gain insights into why certain words or linguistic features are chosen in specific situations, especially with regards to stylistic choices.

The situational factors, such as social, cultural, and contextual elements, play a significant role in informing these linguistic choices. By analyzing the stylistic identity between linguistic features and non-linguistic events, individuals can unravel the motivations behind the use of certain words or linguistic expressions in different contexts. This understanding contributes to the comprehension of language style and helps reveal the reasons for particular language choices.

In summary, the identification of linguistic features with non-linguistic events is a natural process that aids in everyday language understanding. In the realm of language style, this identification becomes crucial in uncovering the connection between linguistic features and their motivations in specific situations. By considering the situational factors, individuals can gain insights into why specific linguistic features were chosen, contributing to a deeper understanding of language style.

Thanks for input on this detail.

Kind regards Alex Arts & HumanitiesEnglish