3
Sri Lanka Ethnic fratricide and the Dismantling of Democracy S.J. TAMBIAH A native Sri Lankan of Tamil origins, the distinguished social anthropologist S.J.Tambiah analyzes the causes of the conflict between
majority Sinhalese Buddhists and minority Tamils that has wrecked the island of Sri Lanka for
almost forty years. In his view, recent social stresses rather than ancient
religious and racial differences re the source of the trouble. "An excellent and thought-provoking book." - Paul Sieghart, Los
Angeles Times Book Review. "concise, informative, lucidly written. a powerful case for the
importance of pluralism." - Merle Rubin, Christian Science Monitor $17.95 cloth
New Books from Oxford Britain's
Shadow Economy Stephen Smith The shadow
economy embraces not only the black economy of moonlighting, tax dodging,
and scrounging, but also the wide range of ordinary, tough productive,
household activities such as washing-up, baby-sitting, and DIY
improvements. This book takes a critical look at the whole of the shadow
economy and makes new estimates of the scale and pattern of concealed
incomes. O 19 828569
8, Clarendon Press, Oxford £ 19.50 The Decline of the
British Economy An
Institutional Perspective Edited by Bernard Elbaum and William Lazonick 'A distinguished contribution. The essays that it contains are
coherent and thought-provo-king. this is a
fascinating new approach to the analysis and understanding of the decline
of the British economy. It should be read.' Pete L/Payne, The Times Higher
Education Supplement 0 19 828494 2, Clarendon Press £ 19.50
Arab Politics The Search for
Legitimacy Michael C. Hudson The first systematic compara 19419x237t tive analysis of
political behavior throughout the entire Arab world, from Morocco to
Kuwait. In an attempt to explain why the Arab world remains in ferment,
Hudson discusses such crucial factors as Arab and Islamic identity, ethnic
and religious minorities, the crisis of authority, the effects of Western
imperialism, and modernization. "Hudson has succeeded brilliantly in
surveying and analyzing the entire range of contemporary Arab politics.
.[He] focuses his vast knowledge on theory and historical data with valid
and illuminating generalizations, perhaps the most basic one being that
most if not all Arab countries lack an effective structure for full
political participation." -Library
Journal $22.50 Yale
Yale University Press New Haven and London
fAMILY COMMUNICATION nEW BOOKS FROM Lea
TELEVISION
AND THE AMERICAN FAMILY Second Edition Edited by Jennings Bryant The University of Alabama J. Alison Bryant University of Southern California A Volume in LEA's
Communication Series This second edition of a trend-setting volume
provides an updated examination of the interaction between families and the
most pervasive mass medium: television. Charting dynamic developments of
the American family and television over the past decade, this volume: Provides a comprehensive representation of
programmatic research into family and television, Examines extensively the uses families make
of television, how extensions of television affect usage, families'
evolving attitudes toward television, the ways families have been and are
portrayed on television, the effects television has on families, and the
ways in which families can mediate its impact on their lives. The volume charts the dramatic changes in both
families and television during the past decade and examines mutual effects
of these changes. It is an invaluable resource for scholars and students in
the areas of media and society, children and media, and family studies. [cloth]/ approx. 472 pp. / $ 99.95 [paperback]
/ approx. 472 pp. / $49.95 Lawrence Erlbaum
Associates Inc. 10, Industrial Avenue,
Mahwah, NJ COMMUNICATION,
RACE, AND FAMILY Exploring
Communication In Black, White,
and Biracial Families Edited by Thomas J. Socha Old Dominion University Rhunette
C. Diggs University of Louisville A Volume in LEA Communication Series This ground-breaking volume explores how family
communication influences the perennial and controversial topic of race. In
assembling this collection, editors Thomas J. Socha
and Rhunette C. Diggs
argue that the hope for managing America's troubles with "race"
lies not only with communicating about race at public meetings, in school,
and in the media, but also - and more fundamentally - with families
communicating constructively about race at home. African-American and European American family
communication researchers come together in this volume to investigate such
topics as how Black families communicate to manage the issue of racism; how
Black parent-child communication is used to manage the derogation of Black
children; the role of television in family communication about race; the
similarities and differences between and among communication in Black,
White, and biracial couples and families; and how family communication
education can contribute to a brighter future for all. With the aim of
developing a clearer understanding of the role that family communication
plays in society's move forward a multicultural world, this volume provides
a crucial examination of how families struggle with issues of ethnic
cultural diversity. [cloth]/ approx. 256 pp. / $ 55.95 [paperback]
/ approx. 252 pp. / $27.95 Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Inc. 10, Industrial
Avenue, Mahwah, NJ
University Paperback Policing
Industrial Disputes 1893 to
1985 ROGER GEARY The recent increase of violent confrontation in
industrial disputes has led to renewed interest in the nature of industrial
violence and the police tactics employed to counteract it. Roger Geary's study provides a fascinating and historically
detailed account of the changing nature of industrial violence. 192 pages Paperback 0 416 90200 6 £5.95 TAVISTOCK 11
New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE
APPROACHING THE TEXT |
► Look at the texts and answer the following questions: What typographical features of the text characterize the genre book advertisement? What are the five publishers represented? Which books are published in Britain and which in America? Which books are published in paperback? Which books are published in hardback (cloth) editions? |
|
|
The first operation we normally perform on texts when we read in our first language is to read them rapidly and superficially to get a general idea of their contents and/ or to find specific information. You have just done the latter in order to answer the questions above. You will be given guided practice in performing these operations when you read in English. |
WORKSHEET 1 |
Skimming and scanning Scan the seven book advertisements and complete the chart below with the following information where possible: author(s) or editor(s), title, sub-title, and subject area (e.g. history, sociology, etc) |
|
Author(s) or Editor(s) |
Title of Book |
Sub-title |
Subject Area |
|
Britain' Shadow Economy | |||
|
An Institutional Perspective | |||
|
Anthropology |
|||
|
Michael C.Hudson | |||
|
Television and the American Family | |||
|
Roger Geary | |||
|
Exploring Communication |
INTENSIVE READING |
One useful way of approaching a written text is through an examination of its structure or organization, especially when the reader will subsequently need to take notes on what he has read. Discerning the structure or organization of a text involves understanding not only the writer's words, but the function of those words in context: to understand, that is, not only what the writer is saying, but what he is doing, e.g. marking an example or comparison, formulating a definition or hypothesis, etc. (see the OBSERVATIONS at the end of this unit.) |
WORKSHEET 2 |
Text structure/ language functions Below, beside the advertisement for Arab Politics, there is a "flow chart", or schematic summary, of the structure of the text. Read the text and divide it using a stroke (/) to indicate the position of the function. Now underline all the adjectives in the text. Which are descriptive and which are evaluative? |
Arab Politics
The Search for Legitimacy
Michael C.Hudson
The first systematic comparative analysis of political behavior throughout the entire Arab world, from Morocco to Kuwait. In an attempt to explain why the Arab world remains in ferment, Hudson discusses such crucial factors as Arab and Islamic identity, ethnic and religious minorities, the crisis of authority, the effects of Western imperialism, and modernization.
"Hudson has succeeded brilliantly in surveying and analyzing the entire range of contemporary Arab politics. .[He] focuses his vast knowledge on theory and historical data with valid and illuminating generalizations, perhaps the most basic one being that most if not all Arab countries lack an effective structure for full political participation."
-Library Journal $22.50
General
description
Detailed
description Evaluation Exemplification
Notice that the language of description and
evaluation in the book advertisement for Arab
Politics is rather well balanced. Often, however, book advertisements tend
to be either predominantly evaluative or predominantly descriptive, as in the
remaining documents. (See Worksheet 3 below.)
WORKSHEET 3 |
Distinguishing the functions of description and evaluation ► Read the remaining book advertisements carefully and indicate on the table below whether they are predominantly descriptive of the contents of the book or predominantly evaluative of the book itself. One advertisement may be considered balanced. |
|
Predominantly descriptive |
Predominantly evaluative |
|
|
Britain's Shadow Economy | ||
|
Decline of British Economy | ||
|
Sri Lanka | ||
|
Television and the American Family | ||
|
Communication, Race and Family | ||
|
Policing Industrial Disputes |
Notice that different terms may be used to
replace the word book (e.g. contribution in The Decline of the British Economy). This not only avoids
repetition, but also permits aspects of meaning to be refined and elaborated.
► Find in the text as many terms as you can which are used to substitute or elaborate on the word book.
LANGUAGE WORK |
|
WORKSHEET 4 |
Discrimination of adjectives and adjectival suffixes ► Re-read the book advertisements and indicate on the table all adjectives which appear in the book titles and the texts proper (excluding quantifiers, e.g. some, many, etc). Then write the adjectival suffix, if any, in the column provided, checking with your dictionary if necessary. |
|
adjectives |
suffixes |
|
|
Britain's Shadow Economy | ||
|
The Decline of the British Economy | ||
|
Sri Lanka | ||
|
Television and the American Family | ||
|
Community, Race, and Family | ||
|
Policing Industrial Disputes |
Notice, in addition to the more common adjective+noun
combination, the following ways of qualifying nouns:
noun+noun ('shadow economy', 'police tactics') where the noun functions as adjective
noun+past participle ('pages devoted to literature', 'tactics employed'), where we may consider as deleted a relative pronoun + verb to be ('tactics which are employed')
noun+ present participle ("ground-breaking volume", trend-setting volume
WORKSHEET 5 a |
Lexical inference In the following exercise you are given practice in identifying a variety of word classes, and in inferring meaning from the context. Be sure to read the section on lexical inference in the notes on reading, Section 4.1. before completing the exercise. ► Read the first book advertisement, Cognition, Communication, and Romantic Relationships, and underline the words you do not know. Most of these will be listed in the chart below. First identify word class (noun, verb, adjective, adverb) and then infer a possible meaning by examining the immediate and general context carefully. Next, study the jumbled definitions and choose the one which fits best. An example has been given. |
COGNITION,
COMMUNICATION, AND ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS James M. Honeycutt Louisiana State University James G. Cantrill Northern Michigan University A Volume in LEA's Series
on Personal Relationships Cognition,
Communication, and Romantic relationships focuses on the
role of memory, communication, and social cognition in the development of
romantic relationships. The authors review developmental models of
communication and examine criticisms of these models. They also explore the
stages through which relationships escalate and deteriorate, and consider
the processes for such activities as meeting new people, dating, sexual
intercourse, and terminating relationships. Differences between men and
women are discussed through the text, in light of current research
supporting systematic gender differences in how people think about romance
and relationships. As an extended analysis and research review of how
thinking about romance influences and is influences by communicative
processes, this text offers a deeper understanding of the cognitive and
communicative factors in relationship processes. It is designed for use in
courses on interpersonal relationships and intimate relations in social
psychology, communication, counseling psychology, clinical psychology, and
sociology.
|
Word class |
Definitions |
|
|
1 review _ | ||
|
2 relationship _ | ||
|
3 designed _ | ||
|
4 supporting _ | ||
|
5 analysis | ||
|
6 focuses | ||
|
7 developmental |
a.
to present a review of in speech or
writing; to examine b. method
of studying the nature of something or of determining its essential
features and their relations c.
intended, destined d. centers,
directs, aims e.
an emotional or other connection between
people f.
maintaining; advocating g.
that pertains to development
WORKSHEET 5 b |
► Now re-read the book advertisement Television and the American Family. Follow the same strategy used above in order to infer the meaning of the words in the chart below, but this time write your guess in the appropriate column, then check with your dictionary, being careful to copy the correct definition for the function and meaning of the word as used in this text. ► Complete the chart by following the same procedure for three other words you did not know in these book advertisements. |
TELEVISION
AND THE AMERICAN FAMILY Second Edition Edited by Jennings Bryant The University of Alabama J. Alison Bryant University of Southern California A Volume in LEA's
Communication Series This second edition of a trend-setting volume
provides an updated examination of the interaction between families and the
most pervasive mass medium: television. Charting dynamic developments of
the American family and television over the past decade, this volume: Provides a comprehensive representation of
programmatic research into family and television, Examines extensively the uses families make
of television, how extensions of television affect usage, families'
evolving attitudes toward television, the ways families have been and are
portrayed on television, the effects television has on families, and the
ways in which families can mediate its impact on their lives. The volume charts the dramatic changes in both
families and television during the past decade and examines mutual effects
of these changes. It is an invaluable resource for scholars and students in
the areas of media and society, children and media, and family studies. [cloth]/ approx. 472 pp. / $ 99.95 [paperback]
/ approx. 472 pp. / $49.95 Lawrence Erlbaum
Associates Inc. 10, Industrial
Avenue, Mahwah, NJ
|
Word |
Word class |
Your guess |
Dictionary definition |
|
1 trend-setting | |||
|
2 pervasive | |||
|
3 charting | |||
|
4 provides | |||
|
5 compre-hensive | |||
|
6 interaction | |||
WORKSHEET 6 |
Practising the use of lexis common to expository/ evaluative prose. ► Decide the word class of the missing words in the text below, then complete the hypothetical book advertisement by inserting an appropriate noun, verb or adjective from those listed. Consider carefully the meaning of each of the options with reference to the context: not all the alternatives are interchangeable. Take care to use the correct form of the verb. |
||||
|
Nouns |
Verbs |
Adjectives |
|
|
|
Synthesis Survey Topic Study History Concept Area Aspect Theme Overview Discussion Analysis system |
Explain Survey Discuss Study Present Describe Bring into focus Consider Explore Illuminate Introduce Analyze constitute |
Profound Logical Brilliant Important Comprehensive Invaluable Powerful Sensitive Discussed Rigorous Incisive Considered systematic |
|
|
The Interpretation of Dreams is the first _____ _______ ______ _____________ of dream psychology. In an attempt to ________________ why dreams are ___________ to the well-being of the mental processes, Sigmund Freud ___________
A wide variety of common dreams. Among the topics ____________ are the processes of dislocation and transference that occur in dreams. _____________ and ___________, the author succeeds in _____________ some of the darker workings of the mind. This ______________ work is the most __________________ of the psychology of the unconscious available. Published in paperback, The Interpretation of Dreams is ____________ for all those who are seriously interested in dream psychology.
VOCABULARY WORK AND WORD BUILDING |
► Find these words in the texts*, decide the word class, and write it and the translation of the word in the space provided. ► Then complete the table by forming other words using appropriate suffixes if necessary. Consult your dictionary. |
|
VOCABULARY WORK |
WORD BUILDING |
|||||
|
Word and Location |
Class |
Translation |
Noun |
Verb |
Adjective |
Adverb |
|
Pervasive | ||||||
|
Interaction | ||||||
|
Comprehensive (5) | ||||||
|
Extensively | ||||||
|
Evolving | ||||||
|
Communication | ||||||
|
Influences | ||||||
|
Argue | ||||||
|
Difference | ||||||
|
Developing |
| |||||
|
Controversial | ||||||
|
Race (7) | ||||||
|
Constructively | ||||||
|
Manage | ||||||
|
Assembling | ||||||
* The book advertisements have been numbered as follows: 5 - Television and the American Family; 6 - Communication, Tace and Family; 7 - Communiation, and Romantic Relationships
OBSERVATIONS ON TEXT TYPE |
BOOK ADVERTISEMENTS |
Function | |
Structure |
This will vary according to the length and nature of the advertisement, but will usually include one or more of the following: a. general description - of the subject of the book b. author's purpose - a brief consideration of what the author attempts to explain or demonstrate in the book c. detailed description - of the contents of the book. This is often a list of the various topics discussed d. evaluation - positive evaluation as regards the worth and importance of the book e. quotations from reviewers - containing positive evaluations from other sources (usually from well-known writers in the field or academic journals) |
Aspects of language: |
In texts of this kind, it is common to find evaluative language. This is particularly apparent in the author's choice of adjectives and adverbs. It is important to keep in mind that although adjectives can be broadly categorized into the functions of evaluation (e.g. brilliant, important, and so on) and description (Arab, historical), there are many cases in which these two functions overlap, particularly considering the function of the book advertisement. |
Grammar practice: Comparatives and Superlatives of the Adjective
► Fill in the missing words in the table. Then complete the sentences below with an appropriate form of the words in brackets.
|
Adjective |
Comparative |
Superlative |
|
Better | ||
|
Easy | ||
|
Much/many | ||
|
Most interesting |
||
|
Fastest |
||
|
Bad | ||
|
Larger | ||
|
thin | ||
|
Harder | ||
|
More expensive | ||
|
Unusual | ||
|
pretty |
Learning to speak a language is often much ____________ (easy) than learning to write it.
This hotel must be ________ (expensive) than the small one next door.
An orange is ___________ (large) than a plum.
He is certainly the ______ (unusual) person I have ever met.
Bringing up children is one of the _________ (hard) jobs in the world.
His latest film was ______ interesting) than his previous ones.
What is the __________ (difficult) thing you have ever done?
When I saw her, she looked much ________ (thin) than I remembered her.
Losing your credit card is ______ (bad) than losing your money.
This is the _______ (fast) car we produce.
► As or than? Put as or than into each gap.
a. Are you as tall ____ your brother?
b. She's not as clever ____ her sister.
c. Was Joan's party better _____ Maria's?
d. I'm studying the same subject ____ Emma.
e. Liz works much harder ____ John.
f. I haven't got as many cousins ____ you.
► As. as/ not as. as.
Rewrite the following sentences with as.as or not as. as.
Ex. Bob's taller than Jack. / Jack's not as tall as Bob.
a. Jill's more intelligent than Bill. Bill's not __________________
b. The sun's much hotter than the moon. The moon isn't ________________
c. Are you and your husband the same age? Are you ___________ your husband?
d. You can read more quickly than I can. I can't _____ _______ ______ _______
e. Harry won more money than Bill. Bill didn't win _____________
f. Eva's work is better than mine. My work isn't ________________
Related Word Groups
Types of Book ► Put each of the following words in its correct place below
volume publication whodunit hardback
best-seller thriller copy edition
manuscript proofs paperback
You can see the original _____ of Hamlet in Shakespeare's own writing.
Before a book is sent to be printed, the author must check the _________ .
Where is _____ three of this set of encyclopaedias?
The new government report on agricultural statistics is a very interesting _______.
Have you got a ______ of Graham Greene's Brighton Rock?
This book costs $12, but that's the ______ price. The ______ costs only $5.50.
His first three novels didn't sell very well, but hos fourth was a _____ and made a fortune.
The book has already been selling well for five years. Now the publishers are going to bring out a new _____ with illustrations.
She likes to relax by reading a _____ about spies or crime.
I'm reading a ______ . It's fun trying to guess who the murderer is.
Ways of reading
► Put each of the following words or phrases into its correct place in the sentences below.
Skip look up browse refer to flip through
Skim dip into peruse wade through read from cover to
cover
I spend a lot of time in bookshops. I don't often buy books. I just __________ .
If I come to a boring bit in a book, I just ______ a few pages till the real story starts again.
I'll _______ his number in the phonebook.
I didn't know the word. I had to _______ a dictionary.
Of course an encyclopaedia is not a book you ________ . You just ______ it for things that interest you.
I never liked history at school. I found it very hard to _______ all that boring stuff about wars and revolutions.
We have requested our lawyers to _____ the document with the greatest care to decide whether it's legal or not.
Some people have the ability to ________ a page, which means to read it very quickly, just taking in the main points.
I sometimes ______ a magazine in a newsagent's but I don't usually buy one.
|
