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Chapter_1_Idioms

Chapter 1 discusses the definition and characteristics of idioms, highlighting their non-literal meanings and fixed structures. It classifies idioms based on semantic, structural, and origin-based criteria, providing examples for each category. The chapter also differentiates idioms from other phraseological units like proverbs and collocations, setting the stage for further exploration of idioms' communicative roles in language and culture.

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3 views

Chapter_1_Idioms

Chapter 1 discusses the definition and characteristics of idioms, highlighting their non-literal meanings and fixed structures. It classifies idioms based on semantic, structural, and origin-based criteria, providing examples for each category. The chapter also differentiates idioms from other phraseological units like proverbs and collocations, setting the stage for further exploration of idioms' communicative roles in language and culture.

Uploaded by

baxodirovamuxlisa44
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CHAPTER 1: THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF IDIOMS

1.1 Definition and Characteristics of Idioms


Idioms are fixed expressions whose meanings cannot be derived from the literal meanings
of their individual words. They are an essential part of natural language and are deeply
rooted in culture. According to Seidl & McMordie (1988), 'an idiom is a group of words with
a meaning that is different from the meaning of the individual words' [12, 4]. This means
that idioms must be understood as whole expressions rather than as the sum of their parts.

One of the essential characteristics of idioms is their non-literal meaning. For example, the
English idiom 'spill the beans' does not refer to literally dropping beans but rather to
revealing a secret. Another feature is their fixed structure, meaning that idioms typically do
not allow modifications in word order or substitution of synonyms (e.g., 'kick the bucket'
cannot be changed to 'hit the bucket' without losing its idiomatic meaning).

Additionally, idioms often serve expressive and rhetorical functions, adding color and
emphasis to speech. They can convey emotions, humor, or irony, making them powerful
tools in both everyday conversations and literary texts (Cowie, 1998) [6, 92].

1.2 Classification of Idioms


Linguists classify idioms based on various criteria, such as semantic, structural, and origin-
based distinctions.

1.2.1 Semantic Classification


Idioms can be categorized according to the degree of transparency between their literal and
figurative meanings:

Type Description Example


Transparent Idioms Meaning is partially clear See the light (to understand
from individual words. something)
Semi-transparent Idioms Metaphorical meaning Break the ice (to start a
requires some conversation)
interpretation.
Opaque Idioms Meaning is completely Kick the bucket (to die)
different from individual
words.

1.2.2 Structural Classification


Based on structure, idioms can take various grammatical forms:

• Verb-based idioms (e.g., 'give someone the cold shoulder').

• Noun-based idioms (e.g., 'a blessing in disguise').

• Prepositional phrases (e.g., 'in a nutshell').


• Full-sentence idioms (e.g., 'The ball is in your court').

1.2.3 Origin-Based Classification


Idioms often have historical or cultural origins, which can be categorized as follows:

• Biblical idioms (e.g., 'by the skin of one’s teeth' – Job 19:20).

• Shakespearean idioms (e.g., 'wild-goose chase' – Romeo and Juliet).

• Mythological idioms (e.g., 'Pandora’s box').

1.3 Idioms vs. Other Phraseological Units


Idioms belong to a broader category of phraseological units, which also includes proverbs,
collocations, and phrasal verbs. The table below highlights their differences:

Feature Idioms Proverbs Collocations Phrasal Verbs


Fixed meaning? Yes Yes No No
Complete No Yes No No
sentence?
Figurative? Usually Often Rarely Sometimes
Example Hit the sack A stitch in time Strong coffee Give up
saves nine
This chapter has provided a theoretical foundation for understanding idioms, including
their definition, classification, and distinction from other phraseological units. In the next
chapter, we will examine the communicative role of idioms in language and culture.

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