Practical work no.2

Analysis of the formal words and word-groups on whether they are learned words, terms or archaisms.

Objectives: to identify learned words, terms and archaisms

Ex. 1. Translate the following sentence (a quotation from an official letter from a Government department) into plain English: «You are authorized to acquire the work in question (a book) by purchase through the ordinary trade channels».

Ex. 2. The italicized words and word-groups in the following extracts belong to formal style. Identify whether the italicized words represent learned words, terms or archaisms. Look up unfamiliar words in the dictionary.

1. “Sir,

in re¹ Miss Ernestina Freeman

We are instructed by Mr. Ernest Freeman, father of the above-mentioned Miss Ernestina Freeman, to request you to attend at these chambers at 3 o’clock this coming Friday. Your failure to attend will be regarded as an acknowledgement of our client’s right to proceed ”.

(From The French Lieutenant’s Woman by J. Fowles)

2. “I have, with esteemed advice …” Mr. Aubrey bowed briefly towards the sergeant, …” … prepared an admission of guilt. I should instruct you that Mr. Freeman’s decision not to proceed immediately is most strictly contingent upon your client’s signing, on this occasion and in our presence, and witnessed by all present, this document.”

(Ibid.)

3. Romeo … So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows,

As yonder lady o’er her fellows shows.

The measure² done, I’ll watch her place of stand,

And, touching hers, make blessed my rude hand.

Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight!

For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night.

¹ Usually in modern correspondence you will find the form re [ri:] without the in.

² measure (here) - dance.

4. “… I want you to keep an eye on that air-speed indicator. Remember that an airplance stays in the air because of its forward speed. If you let the speed drop too low, its stalls – and falls out of the air, Any time the ASI shows a reading near 120, you tell George instantly. Is that clear?” “Yes, Captain. I understand.” “Back to you, George … I want you to unlock the autopilot – the airplane yourself. … George, you watch the artificial horizon … Climb and descent indicator should stay at zero.”

(From Runway Zero-Eight by A. Hailey, J. Castle)

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