In English, as in many other languages, the meaning of a sentence can be manipulated by the insertion of a word. Depending on the location of the insertion, the meaning can vary widely.
Consider, for instance, the sentence "I want a punch on the nose." Look at what happens when the word 'only' is inserted at various locations:
Only I want a punch on the nose (- and nobody else wants the punch)
I only want a punch on the nose (- and I want nothing else)
I want a punch only on the nose (- and nowhere else)
I want a punch on the only nose (- if I had several noses)
I want a punch on the nose only (- and nowhere else)
One of the glorious contributions to English is from Yiddish, where stress and intonation radically changes the interpretation of a sentence. In the words of Leo Rosten, one obtains manoeuvres of matchless versatility. Take a look at this series of stresses.
Two tickets for her concert I should buy? (- I'm having enough trouble deciding if it's worth one.)
Two tickets for her concert I should buy? (- You mean to say she isn't distributing free passes? The hall will be empty!)
Two tickets for her concert I should buy? (- Did she buy tickets to my daughter's recital?)
Two tickets for her concert I should buy? (- You mean to say they call what she calls a 'concert'?)
Two tickets for her concert I should buy? (- After what she did to me?)
Two tickets for her concert I should buy? (- Are you giving me lessons in ethics?)
Two tickets for her concert I should buy? (- I wouldn't go even if she gave me a complimentary!)
... And if all emphasis is removed from the sentence, which is then uttered with mock neutrality, the very unstressedness becomes sardonic, and - if accompanied by a sigh, snort, cluck, or frown - lethal.
3 comments:
Hey!
I keep coming here, lurk , read and go.
Great going.
I feel like reading Eats,Shoots and Leaves again.
-Nikhil
This was quite nice! Things one doesnt really think about. Thanks!
Nikhil: welcome to the blog. Glad you like it. Feel free to stop by anytime!
Cris: welcome as well. I've poured out quite a bit on languages and things: perhaps you might find something interesting. Feedback always welcome!
Post a Comment