This thesis explore's Shakespeare's use of the second person singular pronouns 'you' and 'thou' in his Sonnets (1609). It focuses on the influence of addressees, rhyme, and invocation on...Show moreThis thesis explore's Shakespeare's use of the second person singular pronouns 'you' and 'thou' in his Sonnets (1609). It focuses on the influence of addressees, rhyme, and invocation on Shakespeare's choice in pronoun, using literary and linguistic theories. It concludes that the identity of the addressee was of most influence on Shakespeare's choice in pronoun, whereas rhyme was of little influence. Invoked identities, such as Time, a Muse or the Soul, are predominantly addressed using 'thou'.Show less
Second language learning is difficult when social context is involved, especially if the culture of the target language is inherently different from the native one. A full command of a second...Show moreSecond language learning is difficult when social context is involved, especially if the culture of the target language is inherently different from the native one. A full command of a second language involves a linguistic and ideological ‘reframing’ process. At this stage, pragmatic competence is crucial to interlanguage learners. The realization of speech acts, such as implementing politeness strategies, requires a high command of not only linguistic but also social knowledge. This research investigated Chinese English learners’ command of making polite requests with regard to applying different politeness strategies by conducting tests amongst Chinese high school and university students. After analysing the results, some problems are displayed and explanations are ventured.Show less
