This scientific work is an attempt to re-evaluate Western notions of possession by embedding the debate into an ontological framework which takes into account the existence of multiple ontological...Show moreThis scientific work is an attempt to re-evaluate Western notions of possession by embedding the debate into an ontological framework which takes into account the existence of multiple ontological worlds. By analysing Western linguistic expressions of possession and contrasting them with possessive relationships from native Amazonian languages, presented data will not only promote the acknowledgement of foreign modes of thinking and challenge what is often seen as ‘natural’ or ‘inherent’, but also substantiate the concrete effect of ontological differences on linguistic possessive constructions. To this effect, this thesis will offer readers a foundational definition of conceptual possession which should enable them to get a clearer view of possessive relationships and their interplay between people, animals and other non-human entities.Show less
In this thesis I investigate the unusual features found in the Modern Irish colour classification system, relative to features of colour naming found in other languages. Within the Indo-European...Show moreIn this thesis I investigate the unusual features found in the Modern Irish colour classification system, relative to features of colour naming found in other languages. Within the Indo-European language family, the Celtic languages are the only ones that have a grue category, which means there is one colour term denoting both green and blue, rather than distinct terms that express both these categories. In Irish, however, there is a term for grue, plus two additional terms for green and blue. This is not just a feature unattested in IE languages, it is an anomaly worldwide as well. Other dissimilarities with IE languages include the basic referents of colour terms when describing humans: in many languages, colour terms refer to complexion, but in Irish this is haircolour. Lastly, the total number of basic colour terms of Irish is unusual as well: despite the colour lexicon being very extensive, the colour terms denoting orange, pink, purple, and brown, are considered non-basic or secondary terms.Show less
In the fall of 2012, in reaction to proposed legislation by the Canadian government, the actions of four women, three of which of First Nations descent, led to a grassroots activist movement called...Show moreIn the fall of 2012, in reaction to proposed legislation by the Canadian government, the actions of four women, three of which of First Nations descent, led to a grassroots activist movement called ‘Idle No More’. This movement has since inspired many people to take action for Indigenous rights and environmental preservation. In this thesis I will research which historical, social, economical, environmental and political factors contributed to the origination and the continuing impact of the Idle No More movement to answer the question: who is Idle No More, and what does being Idle No More mean to those involved?Show less
