1. Linguistic Background I
1. Denotation, connotation and collocation
Task 1: Match the following linguistic terms with their definitions below.
1. A denotation is __________.
2. A connotation is __________.
3. A collocation is __________.
a) the habitual juxtaposition of a particular word with another word or words with a frequency
greater than chance
b) the literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the word
suggests
c) an idea or feeling which a word invokes for a person in addition to its literal or primary
meaning
Task 2: What are the denotations and connotations of the following words?
1. war
2. Washington
3. Iraq
4. communism
6. mother
7. soledier
8. Christmas 9. Brussels
5. demonstration
10. abortion
Task 3: The following terms are all used as political labels. Although a number can be used
as adjectives, for the sake of this activity they are all used as nouns. For each category,
rearrange the order of the words so that you have a list which begins with the most negative
connotations and moves to the most positive. There is no correct answer to this activity, so
having come up with your own list, compare them with others to see at what points you
agree/disagree and why this is so.
a)
government, regime, junta, democracy, dictatorship, faction, one man rule (used as
nouns to describe forms of government)
b)
revolutionary, fundamentalist, dissident, zealot, critic, partisan, militant, separatist,
paramilitary, protester, liberator (used as nouns to describe opponents of those in
power)
c)
militant, hawk, dove, extremist, radical, moderate (used as nouns to describe strength
of attitude to a political issue)
Task 4: Match the common collocations. In some cases more options might be possible.
1. general
service
2. direct
aid
3. political
vote
4. prime
information
5. corruption
state
6. exile
government
7. financial
minister
8. police
party
9. confidential
scandal
10. inteligence
election
2. Metaphor, metonymy and synecdoche
Task 5: Match the following linguistic terms with their definitions below.
1. A metaphor is __________.
2. A metonymy is __________.
3. A synecdoche is __________.
a) a figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa, as in
England lost by six wickets (meaning ‘ the English cricket team’)
b) the substitution of the name of an attribute or adjunct for that of the thing meant, for
example suit for business executive, or the turf for horse racing
c) a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is
not literally applicable
Task 6: The following text is taken from an imaginary news report about a music award
ceremony. It has been deliberately constructed to show examples of metaphor and metonymy.
1) Identify the examples of metaphor and metonymy
2) Explain the comparisons that are being made.
British music triumphed when home-grown bands swept the board at the World Pop
Awards. The Albert Hall was treated to a feast of celebration as many of the world’s
leading bands received their accolades.
There was also a morsel of controversy when the Deputy Prime Minister was half-drowned
by a water jug hurled by rising star Jake Thrower.
2. Traineeships in the European Commission
Task 7: Listen to the following short talk giving information on traineeships with the
European Commission. Take notes and summarize the most important points of the talk. The
table below will help you organize your notes.
Main Points
Aims of traineeship
Adviser’s role
Trainees’ tasks
Additional info
Website / email
Important information