On the Brevity of Modern English现代英语的简洁.docx

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1、 On the Brevity of Modern EnglishABSTRACT In this ever-increasing competitive society , life today moves much faster than ever before. As an important tool by means of which people communicate, and exchange ideas and information with one other, languages as well show a trend towards simplification a

2、nd brevity so as to adapt themselves to the fast pace of modern life. To take the simple and less complicated way has become the build-in attribute as well as law of development shared by all languages.Modern English is a typical example as such.This essay looks into and analyses the brevity of mode

3、rn English from several aspects.Peculiar writing styles like Business English ,advertising English,and English of Journalism, and pronunciation, vocabulary, grammatical structure will be discussed.Keyword : modern English brevity simplification现代英语的简洁摘 要随着社会的发展，竞争日趋激烈，人们的生活节奏不断加快。语言作为人们交流思想传递信息的工具，为

4、适应高效率的生活方式也出现了不断简化的趋势。同世界上任何一个语言一样，英语经历了漫长的，不断发展变化的历史过程，分析和研究英语的历史，不难发现，近代英语具有一个明显的特征：简洁表达。避繁趋简是语言公有的固有属性及发展规律。英语相对汉语而言有其独到的简洁性，文章从语音，词汇，句法结构，以及新闻英语，商务英语，广告英语等注重简洁的特殊文体几个角度，就其表达的简洁予以分析。 关键词：近代英语 简洁 简化CONTENTSABSTRACTI摘 要II1 Introduction12. The brevity of English22.1 In the field of Journalism Englis

5、h22.1.1 Omission22.1.1.1 Omitting the article22.1.1.2 Omitting the preposition32.1.1.3 Omitting the linking verbs and auxiliary verb 42.1.1.4 Replacing the conjunctions with a comma42.1.1.5 Using elliptical sentences42.1.2 Abbreviation52.1.2.1 Using premodification52.1.2.2 Using participial phrases6

6、2.1.2.3 Using blending words,acronyms,curtailed words62.1.2.4 Conversion72.1.2.5 Using idioms, proverbs82.1.2.6 Creatively using adverbs82.2 In the field of Advertising English82.2.1 Use of a lot of monosyllables92.2.2 Use of a lot of elliptical sentences92.2.3 Use of a lot of juxtaposition of phras

7、es92.2.4 Use of a lot of nonce-words102.2. 5 Use of a lot of sentences where subjects are omitted102.2. 6 Use of a lot of heading statement112.2.7 Use of sentence fragments112.3 In the field of Business English112.3.1 Use of short and simple words112.3.2 Use a lot of colloquial expression forms122.4

8、 Summary133 Linguistics Aspects143.1 In the field of pronunciation143.2 In the field of intonation143.2.1 Stress143.2.2 Sound intensity143.2.3 Pitch153.2.4 Range153.3 In the field of vocabulary153.3.1 Affix153.3.1.1 Prefix153.3.1.2 Suffix163.3.2 Composite words173.3.3 Clipped words173.3.4 Abbreviati

9、on183.3.5 Blends183.5 Elliptical sentences193.6 Using abridged subordinate clause203.7 Through changing sentence patterns204 Conclusion21References22Acknowledgements23 23 1 Introduction Modern English is the form of the English language spoken since the Great Vowel Shift in England, completed in rou

10、ghly 1550.Despite some differences in vocabulary, texts from the early 17th century, such as the works of William Shakespeare and the King James Bible, are considered to be in Modern English, or more specifically, are referred to as using Early Modern English or Elizabethan English.William Shakespea

11、re once said in his world famous tragedy Hamlet that Brevity is the soul of wit .Many contemporary wordsmiths are strong advocates of the employment of plain English, insisting that the succinct conveyance of what may be subtle or sophisicated can not be too highly recommended. It is not hard to fin

12、d that brevity and simplification is law of development shared by all languages.In todays world, brevity is everywhere from oral English to written work. Brevity of a language not only consists in saving words,but in the expression form of an art. 2. The brevity of English In todays world, English i

13、s regarded as a global language used in many fields.As an important tool of conveying information, the language of English both oral and written should be employed in a concise way. What is more, brevity plays a core role in such fields as Journalism English,Advertising English,Business English, etc

14、. These peculiar writing styles have more specific requirements about brevity. 2.1 In the field of Journalism English As one of the general features of Journalism English,brevity plays a vital role in Journalistic Writing. For reasons of profits , saving space means a lot in the printing medium wher

15、e space is money. Among the great variety of forms in terms of brevity and simplification , there are two means in general. One is omission, the other one is abbreviation.2.1.1 Omission One of the principles of Journalistic Writing is saving words as much as possible.An experienced editor simplifies

16、 complicated material by weeding out superfluities to make an article concise or brief to the point . However the bottom-line should be that the omitted words do not take away the clarity of the sentence.Ways of omission are as follows:2.1.1.1 Omitting the article Omitting articles like the a an can

17、 on one hand shorten the sentence , on the other hand make the sentence structure tighter.However, omission should go hand in hand with the clarity of the information.Some examples are as follows: 1. At (the) weeks end, (the) officials were still trying to find out what caused the accident. (Time,Au

18、g.2,1982)1 2. There was no pattern to the slayings . There were totally at random as to (the) time of the day,(the) day of the week, (the) race of the victim. (Stars and Stripes, Aug.15,1982)1 3. I wanted to be (a) part of a movement. We were all complaining for years about the society. (Newsweek ,

19、Apr.20,1981)1 4. They were run over by trucks and killed under (the) order of the commander. (Stars and Stripes, Aug.16,1982)1 5. The American people will not tolerate further delay by (the) Congress. (Stars and Stripes, Aug.5,1982)1 6. (A) Tenth Of The British Mackeel Catch Ground Into Feed. Nearly

20、 in all the news reportings in America, no use of an article before the word Congress . Besides, no use of an article before titles neither. For example: 1.After interviewing several participants,Time European Correspondent LawrenceMalkin was able to reconstruct a bit of what took place at the after

21、noon session on Saturday June 5.1 2.Complained State Department Spokesman Alan Romberg, as much to Moscow as to Mayor Parente:The US Government is making every effort to have the prohibition by the Glen Cove authorities lifted. (Time,Aug.16,1982)1 3.Award Winner Nyerere and Prime Minister Gandhi tak

22、e their places at the New Delhi talks. (Time, Mar.8,1982)1 4.Though she had been in the midst of a divorce since before she went to Washington and serves as a devoted single parent to Sons Neil,14, and J.J.S and and Daughter Stephania,12.1 5.Author James Clavell reaped a typhoon of dollars from his

23、1.704 page novel, Noble house-the best seller about high finance in Hong Kong. (Newsweek, Jan.4,1982)12.1.1.2 Omitting the prepositionOmitting the preposition is quite general in Journalism English. Usually, omission does not break down the sentence structure.In Journalistic Writing, the preposition

24、s that are in the adverbials of time and in verbal phrases can be omitted. For example: 1. Taiwans foreign orders (orders that would in time have translated into exports), have dropped (by)17%. (Time, Aug.6,1982)1 2. There is also survivors guilt to consider, a particular bitter crop which takes a l

25、ong time (in) ripening. (Newsweek,Apr.28, 1975)1 3. Also short on men is the Individual Ready Reserve - a unit made up of soldiers who serve (for) one or two years as unpaid reservists after completing active Duty. (U.S.News & World Report. May.12,1980)1 4. With his-eye-lids swollen from the bullet

26、wound in his forehead, Brady had trouble (in) reading. (Newsweek, Apr.20,1982)1 5. Paul exhausted himself (by) trying to cope with the issues. 6. The House voted (on) Tuesday to bust the budge it had passed earlier. (Stars and Stripes, Aug.5,1982)1 7. Shrock was last seen (on) May 31 at a gas statio

27、n along Mexico 15 about 45 Miles north of Mazatlan. (Newsweek, Jul.26,1982)1 8. (On) His first day as a married man, Otsrow was back in First District court in Mineola. (Stars and Stripes, Aug.19,1982)1 9.She (Rosalymn) often continues to write speeches in the family quarters of the White House. (on

28、) Mornings she is usually up by 6:30 to see Amy off to School. (Newsweek)1 10. Several years ago, talking (about) basics was a no-no.1 11. They think (about) safety these days.1 12. Wesley Jamesson,34, has chosen to work (on) a night shift. (Newsweek,Nov.30,1980)1 13.Not only are the motorists drivi

29、ng less, they are driving (for) shorter distances.1 14.Unions are now going (along) the merger route.1 2.1.1.3 Omitting the linking verbs and auxiliary verb Omitting the linking verbs and auxiliary verb sometimes is more typical in headlines writing. In this way，the headline can be both short and ey

30、e-catching while fully and effectively conveying information. For example： 1.Three（Are) Dead After Inhaling Oven Gas. 2. Clinton Inauguration（Is）Most Expensive Ever. 3.(A) Francier（Is ) killed by Burglars. 4.India (Is) Mending Fences. 5.Pope (Is) To Visit Japan In January2.1.1.4 Replacing the conjun

31、ctions with a comma Sometimes the editors replace the conjunctions especially likeand with just a comma so as to keep the sentence short yet concise. This method is as well very common in headlines writing.For example:1. US, Vietnam Resume Talks.= Us and Vietnam Resume Talks.2. Nbcs President Robert

32、 Wright Seeks Big Acquisitions,Ventures For The Network.=Nbcs President Robert Wright Seeks Big Acquisitions and Ventures For The Network. 2.1.1.5 Using elliptical sentences Using elliptical sentences can not only save words, but also make the sentence brief to the point.Obviously, by using an ellip

33、tical structure, the sentence is far more brief, attractive and forceful . Therefore the skillful arrangement of elliptical sentences may add color to a sentence. For example: 1. The signed scores of four-string quarters from Haydns Opus 50 have been in the Familys possession since (they were) purch

34、ased in London at an auction in 1851. 2. Whatever the truth (is), casualties were heavy on both sides. (Time, Aug.2,1982) 3. As if (they wanted) to emphasize the point, Israeli troops moved inland north ofBeirut last week. (Newsweek, Aug.23,1982) 4. American once grand hotels are grand again. Dozens

35、 of them, many (of which Were0 empty, crumbling and ripe for the wrecks tall, have been restored to theirFormer glory. (Newsweek, Aug.23,1982) 5. Just how wrong (the currency is) can be judged by examining the evolution ofSoviet Missile Forces. ( Readers Digest,May,1979) 2.1.2 Abbreviation Besides s

36、aving words as well as omitting, editors also use abbreviation to develop a concise style. Ways of abbreviation are: using premodification , using participial phrases, using blending words, acronyms,curtailed words, conversion, and creatively using adverbs.2.1.2.1 Using premodification In grammar, a

37、 modifier (or qualifier) is an optional element in phrase structure or clause structure; the removal of the modifier doesnt affect the grammaticality of the sentence. Modifiers can be a word, a phrase or an entire clause. Semantically, modifiers describe and provide more accurate definitional meanin

38、g for another element.6 1. Nouns or noun phrases as premodification a. Problem kids ( kids who make trouble ) b. Book farmer ( a person who does farming according to the book) c. Discout stores (stores which offer discounts) d . Long-fiber diets ( diets which contain long fibers) e . Dead-end jobs (

39、jobs which offer no chance of advancement) 2. Verb phrases as premodification a . Stand-up meetings ( meetings which are held with everyone standing) b . Go-with- the- stream pragmatist ( a person who does not act according to a general principle but thinks and behaves in the same ways as most peopl

40、e) c . Give-away price ( the principle of something is so cheap that it is just like a gift) d . Do-it-yourself repairs ( repairs which are done by oneself) e . Strat-up-costs ( costs paid for starting up a project) 3.Prepositional phrases as premodification a . On-the-job problems (problems which o

41、ccur during work) b . Off- campus rents (rents for houses outside a campus) c . Cradle-to-grave health care ( health care which is provided for one from his birth to the last moment of his life) d . The-under-25 category ( the group of people who are less than 25 years old) 4. Adjective phrases as p

42、remodicicationa . The once-taboo luxury items ( luxury items which once were forbidden)b . Goods_hungry market (market which is short of goods)c . Twice-daily conferences (conferences which are held twice a day)d . Winter-weary Canadians (Canadians who are weary of winter)e . Decade-long shortage (s

43、hortage which has lasted for a decade)2.1.2.2 Using participial phrasesParticipial phrases are short phrases that appear at the beginning of a sentence or the end of the sentence.The employment of an participial phrase is just another way to write sentences with compound verbs in them. It provides a

44、 variety of sentence style.They can be used to replace subordinate clause as well as combining sentences. Therefore using participial phrases can make sentences brief .For example:1.the vetoed resolution (the resolution which has been vetoed)2.luxury-loving Eurocrats ( the European Bureaucrats who love luxuries)3.burnt-out teachers (teachers whose energy and inerest are exhausted)4.turned-out audience (audience who have got excited)5.fifth-ranked company ( a company which is ranked