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Abstract and Concrete Language: Navigating the Nuances of Meaning
Author: Dr. Evelyn Reed, PhD in Linguistics, Professor of Communication Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Reed has published extensively on the impact of language on cognition and communication, with a particular focus on the effective use of abstract and concrete language in various contexts.
Keywords: abstract and concrete language, abstract language, concrete language, figurative language, communication, writing, clarity, persuasion, ambiguity, cognition
Abstract: This article explores the fundamental differences between abstract and concrete language, examining their respective strengths and weaknesses in communication. We delve into the challenges posed by each type of language, such as ambiguity and vagueness in abstract language, and the limitations of concrete language in expressing complex ideas. Furthermore, we analyze the opportunities each presents, demonstrating how strategic use of both can enhance clarity, persuasion, and overall communicative effectiveness. The interplay between abstract and concrete language is crucial for effective communication across various contexts, from everyday conversation to academic writing and persuasive rhetoric.
1. Understanding the Dichotomy: Abstract vs. Concrete Language
The distinction between abstract and concrete language lies in their relationship to tangible reality. Concrete language refers to words and phrases that describe specific, observable things, actions, or qualities. They evoke clear, sensory images in the reader's or listener's mind. Examples include "red rose," "running quickly," "sharp knife," and "bitter taste." These are easily visualized and understood, leaving little room for misinterpretation. Effective use of concrete language is crucial for clarity and precision.
In contrast, abstract language deals with concepts, ideas, and qualities that are intangible and not directly perceptible through the senses. Words like "love," "justice," "freedom," and "democracy" are abstract. Their meanings are often subjective and dependent on individual interpretations, leading to potential ambiguity. While abstract language is essential for expressing complex thoughts and emotions, its inherent vagueness can hinder clear communication if not handled carefully. The effective use of abstract and concrete language often requires a skillful balance.
2. The Challenges of Abstract and Concrete Language
The challenges presented by abstract and concrete language are distinct yet intertwined. Over-reliance on abstract language can lead to vagueness and misunderstanding. A statement like "The project experienced some difficulties" is far less informative than "The project was delayed by two weeks due to unforeseen technical issues." The latter utilizes concrete language to provide specific details and eliminate ambiguity.
Conversely, an over-reliance on concrete language can stifle creativity and limit the expression of nuanced ideas. While describing the specifics of a beautiful sunset is helpful, it cannot fully capture the emotional impact or the philosophical implications it might hold for the observer. Therefore, mastering the effective use of abstract and concrete language requires understanding when to employ each style.
3. The Opportunities Presented by Abstract and Concrete Language
Despite their challenges, both abstract and concrete language offer significant opportunities for effective communication. Abstract language allows for the expression of complex ideas, generalizations, and universal truths. It allows for persuasive rhetoric, inspiring emotions, and shaping beliefs. For example, powerful speeches often employ abstract language to evoke shared values and aspirations.
Concrete language, on the other hand, lends itself to clarity, precision, and memorability. By providing vivid sensory details, it can engage the reader or listener on a deeper level, enhancing comprehension and retention. In technical writing or instructions, concrete language is indispensable for unambiguous communication.
4. Strategies for Effective Use of Abstract and Concrete Language
To harness the power of both abstract and concrete language, it's essential to employ strategic combinations. One effective technique is to use concrete examples to illustrate abstract concepts. For instance, when discussing "justice," one could provide concrete examples of unjust acts and their consequences. This grounding in concrete reality makes the abstract concept more accessible and relatable.
Another strategy involves using concrete imagery to enhance the impact of abstract language. For example, describing "hope" as a "small, flickering candle in the vast darkness" creates a powerful and memorable image, thereby enhancing the emotional impact of the abstract concept. Mastering this interplay is key to crafting compelling and impactful communication.
5. Abstract and Concrete Language in Different Contexts
The optimal balance between abstract and concrete language varies depending on the context. In scientific writing, precision is paramount, requiring a preponderance of concrete language and data. In contrast, creative writing often relies heavily on abstract language to evoke emotions and explore complex themes. Understanding the specific demands of the context is crucial for effective communication.
6. The Role of Figurative Language
Figurative language, which uses figures of speech like metaphors, similes, and analogies, often bridges the gap between abstract and concrete language. Metaphors, for example, compare abstract concepts to concrete images, making them more accessible and memorable. The effective use of abstract and concrete language is often enhanced by the judicious use of figurative language.
7. Conclusion
The effective use of abstract and concrete language is a fundamental skill in communication. While each presents its unique challenges, mastering both is crucial for clarity, persuasiveness, and the effective conveyance of complex ideas. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each and employing strategic combinations, communicators can significantly enhance the impact and effectiveness of their message. The interplay between abstract and concrete language is not a dichotomy but rather a dynamic relationship that requires careful navigation for optimal communicative outcomes.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between abstract and concrete nouns? Abstract nouns refer to intangible concepts (e.g., love, freedom), while concrete nouns refer to tangible things (e.g., table, tree).
2. How can I improve my use of abstract and concrete language in writing? Practice using concrete examples to illustrate abstract ideas and vice versa. Read widely and analyze how authors use both types of language.
3. Is it better to use more abstract or concrete language? The optimal balance depends on the context. Scientific writing needs more concrete language, while creative writing might use more abstract language.
4. How does abstract and concrete language affect persuasion? Concrete language enhances clarity and believability, while abstract language appeals to emotions and values. A balance is key.
5. What are some examples of abstract and concrete verbs? Concrete verbs describe actions directly observable (e.g., run, jump), while abstract verbs describe less tangible actions (e.g., understand, believe).
6. Can ambiguous language be effective? Sometimes, ambiguity can create intrigue or allow for multiple interpretations, but it's generally best to strive for clarity.
7. How does the use of abstract and concrete language vary across cultures? Cultural norms and values can influence preferences for abstract or concrete language styles.
8. What is the role of context in determining the appropriate use of abstract and concrete language? Context dictates the balance; formal settings often require more concrete language for clarity, while informal settings allow for more abstract expressions.
9. How can I identify abstract and concrete language in existing texts? Look for words that describe tangible objects, actions, or qualities (concrete) vs. words representing concepts, ideas, or emotions (abstract).
Related Articles:
1. "The Power of Concrete Detail in Narrative Writing": This article explores the use of sensory details and specific imagery to create vivid and engaging narratives.
2. "Abstract Expressionism and the Language of Emotion": An analysis of how abstract art utilizes visual language to convey complex emotions and ideas.
3. "Clarity and Precision in Scientific Writing: The Importance of Concrete Language": This article emphasizes the need for precise and unambiguous language in scientific publications.
4. "The Role of Metaphor in Bridging Abstract and Concrete Language": This explores how metaphors use concrete imagery to explain abstract concepts.
5. "Ambiguity and Vagueness in Communication: The Pitfalls of Abstract Language": This piece examines the challenges posed by ambiguous language and strategies for improving clarity.
6. "Persuasive Communication: The Strategic Use of Abstract and Concrete Language": This analyzes how both types of language contribute to effective persuasion.
7. "Cognitive Linguistics and the Understanding of Abstract Concepts": An exploration of how cognitive science sheds light on the processing and comprehension of abstract language.
8. "Effective Communication in the Workplace: Balancing Abstract and Concrete Language": This article focuses on the practical application of this knowledge in professional settings.
9. "The Use of Figurative Language to Enhance the Impact of Abstract Concepts": This examines the use of similes, metaphors, and other figures of speech to make abstract ideas more accessible and engaging.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP). OUP is a renowned academic publisher with a long history of publishing high-quality scholarly works in linguistics and communication studies.
Editor: Dr. Marcus Jones, PhD in Communication, Senior Editor at Oxford University Press, specializing in language and cognition.
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| abstract and concrete language: Stylish Academic Writing Helen Sword, 2012-04-02 Elegant data and ideas deserve elegant expression, argues Helen Sword in this lively guide to academic writing. For scholars frustrated with disciplinary conventions, and for specialists who want to write for a larger audience but are unsure where to begin, here are imaginative, practical, witty pointers that show how to make articles and books a pleasure to read—and to write. Dispelling the myth that you cannot get published without writing wordy, impersonal prose, Sword shows how much journal editors and readers welcome work that avoids excessive jargon and abstraction. Sword’s analysis of more than a thousand peer-reviewed articles across a wide range of fields documents a startling gap between how academics typically describe good writing and the turgid prose they regularly produce. Stylish Academic Writing showcases a range of scholars from the sciences, humanities, and social sciences who write with vividness and panache. Individual chapters take up specific elements of style, such as titles and headings, chapter openings, and structure, and close with examples of transferable techniques that any writer can master. |
| abstract and concrete language: A Mind at a Time Mel Levine, 2002-04-04 Different minds learn differently, writes Dr. Mel Levine, one of the best-known education experts and pediatricians in America today. And that's a problem for many children, because most schools still cling to a one-size-fits-all education philosophy. As a result, these children struggle because their learning patterns don't fit the schools they are in. In A Mind at a Time, Dr. Levine shows parents and others who care for children how to identify these individual learning patterns. He explains how parents and teachers can encourage a child's strengths and bypass the child's weaknesses. This type of teaching produces satisfaction and achievement instead of frustration and failure. Different brains are differently wired, Dr. Levine explains. There are eight fundamental systems, or components, of learning that draw on a variety of neurodevelopmental capacities. Some students are strong in certain areas and some are strong in others, but no one is equally capable in all eight. Using examples drawn from his own extensive experience, Dr. Levine shows how parents and children can identify their strengths and weaknesses to determine their individual learning styles. For example, some students are creative and write imaginatively but do poorly in history because weak memory skills prevent them from retaining facts. Some students are weak in sequential ordering and can't follow directions. They may test poorly and often don't do well in mathematics. In these cases, Dr. Levine observes, the problem is not a lack of intelligence but a learning style that doesn't fit the assignment. Drawing on his pioneering research and his work with thousands of students, Dr. Levine shows how parents and teachers can develop effective strategies to work through or around these weaknesses. It's taken for granted in adult society that we cannot all be 'generalists' skilled in every area of learning and mastery. Nevertheless, we apply tremendous pressure to our children to be good at everything. They are expected to shine in math, reading, writing, speaking, spelling, memorization, comprehension, problem solving...and none of us adults can do all this, observes Dr. Levine. Learning begins in school but it doesn't end there. Frustrating a child's desire to learn will have lifelong repercussions. This frustration can be avoided if we understand that not every child can do equally well in every type of learning. We must begin to pay more attention to individual learning styles, to individual minds, urges Dr. Levine, so that we can maximize children's learning potential. In A Mind at a Time he shows us how. |
| abstract and concrete language: Concrete Abstractions Max Hailperin, Barbara Kaiser, Karl Knight, 1999 CONCRETE ABSTRACTIONS offers students a hands-on, abstraction-based experience of thinking like a computer scientist. This text covers the basics of programming and data structures, and gives first-time computer science students the opportunity to not only write programs, but to prove theorems and analyze algorithms as well. Students learn a variety of programming styles, including functional programming, assembly-language programming, and object-oriented programming (OOP). While most of the book uses the Scheme programming language, Java is introduced at the end as a second example of an OOP system and to demonstrate concepts of concurrent programming. |
| abstract and concrete language: Abstract and Concrete Categories Jiri Adamek, Horst Herrlich, George E. Strecker, 2009 This up-to-date introductory treatment employs category theory to explore the theory of structures. Its unique approach stresses concrete categories and presents a systematic view of factorization structures, offering a unifying perspective on earlier work and summarizing recent developments. Numerous examples, ranging from general to specific, illuminate the text. 1990 edition, updated 2004. |
| abstract and concrete language: Model Driven Engineering Languages and Systems Gregor Engels, Bill Opdyke, Douglas C. Schmidt, Frank Weil, 2007-09-12 This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Model Driven Engineering Languages and Systems (formerly the UML series of conferences), MODELS 2007, held in Nashville, USA, September 30 - October 5, 2007. The 45 revised full papers were carefully reviewed and selected from 158 initial submissions. The papers are organized in topical sections. |
| abstract and concrete language: The Dialectics of the Abstract and the Concrete in Marx's Capital E. V. Ilyenkov, 2008 The book presents an integral Marxist conception of the dialectics and methodology of scientific theoretical cognition, of the dialectical interrelation between the abstract and the concrete, of the unity of the historical and the logical, of the correlat |
| abstract and concrete language: Concrete Semantics Tobias Nipkow, Gerwin Klein, 2014-12-03 Part I of this book is a practical introduction to working with the Isabelle proof assistant. It teaches you how to write functional programs and inductive definitions and how to prove properties about them in Isabelle’s structured proof language. Part II is an introduction to the semantics of imperative languages with an emphasis on applications like compilers and program analysers. The distinguishing feature is that all the mathematics has been formalised in Isabelle and much of it is executable. Part I focusses on the details of proofs in Isabelle; Part II can be read even without familiarity with Isabelle’s proof language, all proofs are described in detail but informally. The book teaches the reader the art of precise logical reasoning and the practical use of a proof assistant as a surgical tool for formal proofs about computer science artefacts. In this sense it represents a formal approach to computer science, not just semantics. The Isabelle formalisation, including the proofs and accompanying slides, are freely available online, and the book is suitable for graduate students, advanced undergraduate students, and researchers in theoretical computer science and logic. |
| abstract and concrete language: Doctoral Writing Susan Carter, Cally Guerin, Claire Aitchison, 2020-01-01 This book on doctoral writing offers a refreshingly new approach to help Ph.D. students and their supervisors overcome the host of writing challenges that can make—or break—the dissertation process. The book’s unique contribution to the field of doctoral writing is its style of reflection on ongoing, lived practice; this is more readable than a simple how-to book, making it a welcome resource to support doctoral writing. The experiences and practices of research writing are explored through bite-sized vignettes, stories, and actionable ‘teachable’ accounts.Doctoral Writing: Practices, Processes and Pleasures has its origins in a highly successful academic blog with an international following. Inspired by the popularity of the blog (which had more than 14,800 followers as of October 2019) and a desire to make our six years’ worth of posts more accessible, this book has been authored, reworked, and curated by the three editors of the blog and reconceived as a conveniently structured book. |
| abstract and concrete language: Abstract Phonology in a Concrete Model Tore Nesset, 2008-09-25 This book is relevant for phonologists, morphologists, Slavists and cognitive linguists, and addresses two questions: How can the morphology-phonology interface be accommodated in cognitive linguistics? Do morphophonological alternations have a meaning? These questions are explored via a comprehensive analysis of stem alternations in Russian verbs. The analysis is couched in R.W. Langacker's Cognitive Grammar framework, and the book offers comparisons to other varieties of cognitive linguistics, such as Construction Grammar and Conceptual Integration. The proposed analysis is furthermore compared to rule-based and constraint-based approaches to phonology in generative grammar. Without resorting to underlying representations or procedural rules, the Cognitive Linguistics framework facilitates an insightful approach to abstract phonology, offering the important advantage of restrictiveness. Cognitive Grammar provides an analysis of an entire morphophonological system in terms of a parsimonious set of theoretical constructs that all have cognitive motivation. No ad hoc machinery is invoked, and the analysis yields strong empirical predictions. Another advantage is that Cognitive Grammar can identify the meaning of morphophonological alternations. For example, it is argued that stem alternations in Russian verbs conspire to signal non-past meaning. This book is accessible to a broad readership and offers a welcome contribution to phonology and morphology, which have been understudied in cognitive linguistics. |
| abstract and concrete language: Comprehension Instruction, Second Edition Cathy Collins Block, Sheri R. Parris, 2008-04-22 This comprehensive professional resource and text is based on cutting-edge research. In each chapter, leading scholars provide an overview of a particular aspect of comprehension, offer best-practice instructional guidelines and policy recommendations, present key research questions still to be answered, and conclude with stimulating questions for individual study or discussion. Coverage includes such timely topics as differentiated instruction, technology and reading comprehension, teaching English language learners, and the implications of current neuroscientific findings. |
| abstract and concrete language: Aphasia and Language Stephen E. Nadeau, Leslie Janine Rothi, Bruce Crosson, 2000-09-13 This groundbreaking work brings together leading scientist-practitioners to review what is known about aphasia and to relate current knowledge to treatment. Integrating traditional linguistic formulations with new insights derived from cognitive neuroscience, this volume explores the neuropsychological bases of both normal and pathologic language. It reflects an understanding of brain structure and function based on new developments in connectionist modeling and functional neuroimaging. |
| abstract and concrete language: The Psychology of Word Meanings Paula J. Schwanenflugel, 2013-06-17 This volume contains perspectives from a collection of cognitive scientists on the psychological, philosophical, and educational issues surrounding the meanings of words and how these meanings are learned and accessed. It features chapters covering the nature and structure of word meaning, how new word meanings are acquired in childhood and later on in life, and how research in word processing may tell us something about the way in which word meanings are represented and how they relate to the language processor. |
| abstract and concrete language: The I in Team Susan K. Gerke, Linda V. Berens, 2005 Examines the fundamental aspects of team development with temperament theory-core psychological needs, values, and talents of team members that are essential to the well-being and high performance of a team--Provided by publisher. |
| abstract and concrete language: Formal Languages and Compilation Stefano Crespi Reghizzi, 2009-04-03 State of books on compilers The book collects and condenses the experience of years of teaching compiler courses and doing research on formal language theory, on compiler and l- guage design, and to a lesser extent on natural language processing. In the turmoil of information technology developments, the subject of the book has kept the same fundamental principles over half a century, and its relevance for theory and practice is as important as in the early days. This state of a?airs of a topic, which is central to computer science and is based on consolidated principles, might lead us to believe that the acc- panying textbooks are by now consolidated, much as the classical books on mathematics. In fact this is rather not true: there exist ?ne books on the mathematical aspects of language and automata theory, but the best books on translators are sort of encyclopaedias of algorithms, design methods, and practical know-how used in compiler design. Indeed a compiler is a mic- cosm,featuring avarietyofaspectsrangingfromalgorithmicwisdomto CPU andmemoryexploitation.Asaconsequencethetextbookshavegrowninsize, and compete with respect to their coverage of the last developments on p- gramming languages, processor architectures and clever mappings from the former to the latter. |
| abstract and concrete language: Behaviour Management Bill Rogers, |
| abstract and concrete language: Differentiated Instruction Amy Benjamin, 2003 First Published in 2003. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company. |
| abstract and concrete language: Interfaces Between Language And Cognition Yury Y. Shtyrov, Andriy Myachykov, Christoph Scheepers, 2013-06-28 Cognitive mechanisms underlying linguistic communication do not only rely upon retrieval and processing of linguistic information; they also involve constant updating and organizing of this linguistic information in relation with other, more general, cognitive mechanisms. Some existing theoretical models assume such a tight interactive link between domain-general and domain-specific sources of information in the cognitive organization of the linguistic faculty and during language use. Domain-specific constraints may include, for example, grammatical as well as lexical and pragmatic knowledge. Domain-general constraints comprise processing limitations imposed by the cognitive mechanisms of memory, attention, learning, and social interaction. However, much of the existing research tends to focus on one or the other of the aforementioned areas, while integrative accounts are still rather sparse at present. Therefore, the aim of this Research Topic of Frontiers in Cognition is to bring together researchers who, with in their respective research fields and by using different methodologies, represent integrative approaches to the study of language. We invite submissions from a wide range of interrelated areas of research: cognitive architectures of language, aspects of language processing, linguistic development, bilingualism, language embodiment, neuropsychology of linguistic function, among others. We would like to solicit original research contributions discussing behavioral, neurophysiological, and computational evidence as well as papers on methodological and/or theoretical aspects of the interplay between linguistic and non-linguistic cognitive processes. |
| abstract and concrete language: Politics and the English Language George Orwell, 2021-01-01 George Orwell set out ‘to make political writing into an art’, and to a wide extent this aim shaped the future of English literature – his descriptions of authoritarian regimes helped to form a new vocabulary that is fundamental to understanding totalitarianism. While 1984 and Animal Farm are amongst the most popular classic novels in the English language, this new series of Orwell’s essays seeks to bring a wider selection of his writing on politics and literature to a new readership. In Politics and the English Language, the second in the Orwell’s Essays series, Orwell takes aim at the language used in politics, which, he says, ‘is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind’. In an age where the language used in politics is constantly under the microscope, Orwell’s Politics and the English Language is just as relevant today, and gives the reader a vital understanding of the tactics at play. 'A writer who can – and must – be rediscovered with every age.' — Irish Times |
| abstract and concrete language: Concrete Cuba: Cuban Geometric Abstraction from the 1950s Abigail McEwen, 2016-11-22 Radical political shifts that raged throughout Cuba in the 1950s coincided with the development of Cuban geometric abstraction and, notably, the formation of Los Diez Pintores Concretos (Ten Concrete Painters). The decade was marked by widespread turmoil and corruption following the 1952 military coup and by rising nationalist sentiments. At the same time, Havana was undergoing rapid urbanization and quickly becoming an international city. Against this vibrant backdrop, artists sought a new visual language in which art, specifically abstract art, could function as political and social practice. Concrete Cuba marks one of the first major presentations outside of Cuba to focus exclusively on the origins of concretism in the country. It includes important works from the late 1940s through the early 1960s by the twelve artists who were at different times associated with the short-lived group: Pedro Álvarez, Wifredo Arcay, Mario Carreño, Salvador Corratgé, Sandú Darié, Luis Martínez Pedro, Alberto Menocal, José M. Mijares, Pedro de Oraá, José Ángel Rosabal, Loló Soldevilla, and Rafael Soriano. Many of the group’s members had traveled widely in the preceding years and corresponded with those at the forefront of European and South American abstract movements. Produced on the occasion of the major exhibition at David Zwirner, Concrete Cuba is the first in-depth catalogue on the subject to be published in English; the show offered a “wonderful taste of a very complicated history,” according to Roberta Smith of The New York Times. With an extensive plate section, which includes works from the exhibition and a selection of important pieces from the permanent collection of Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Havana, this volume provides readers with a rich visual experience of this crucial period in modernism’s history. The catalogue also features an extensively researched illustrated chronology, compiled by Susanna Temkin, which tracks the development of the period artistically and politically from 1939 through 1964. New scholarship by Abigail McEwen offers an interpretative framework for this group of artists, and a deeper understanding of the forces behind the development of this movement. Also included is a conversation between Lucas Zwirner and Pedro de Oraá, one of the central members of Los Diez. |
| abstract and concrete language: Plain English for Doctors and Other Medical Scientists Oscar Linares, David Daly, Gertrude Daly, 2017 Plain English for Doctors is the first book on plain English medical writing. Its tips on writing clearly are specific, and easy to apply. Each tip comes with exercises based on excerpts from articles published in leading medical journals. This book is a must for any medical writer. |
| abstract and concrete language: 12 Essential Skills for Great Preaching Wayne McDill, 2006 In this newly expanded second edition of 12 Essential Skills for Great Preaching, Dr. Wayne McDill draws on decades of experience as a preacher and homiletics professor to inspire other preachers to live up to their God-given potential. Here are twelve proven ways to pack more content and effectiveness into every sermon, covering all of the bases from general preparation to the end result of increasing each listener's faith. Recent seminary graduates and seasoned pastors alike will identify skills that need personal improvement, and McDill encourages them to strengthen such areas at their own pace and in whatever order they feel is best. Every chapter in this new edition has been revised and updated. Also included are additional worksheet helps and sermon examples. |
| abstract and concrete language: Visual Grammar Christian Leborg, 2006-05-11 Both a primer on visual language and a visual dictionary of the fundamental aspects of graphic design, this text deals with every imaginable visual concept, making it an indispensable reference for beginners and seasoned visual thinkers alike. |
| abstract and concrete language: Software Languages Ralf Lämmel, 2018-05-17 This book identifies, defines and illustrates the fundamental concepts and engineering techniques relevant to applications of software languages in software development. It presents software languages primarily from a software engineering perspective, i.e., it addresses how to parse, analyze, transform, generate, format, and otherwise process software artifacts in different software languages, as they appear in software development. To this end, it covers a wide range of software languages – most notably programming languages, domain-specific languages, modeling languages, exchange formats, and specifically also language definition languages. Further, different languages are leveraged to illustrate software language engineering concepts and techniques. The functional programming language Haskell dominates the book, while the mainstream programming languages Python and Java are additionally used for illustration. By doing this, the book collects and organizes scattered knowledge from software language engineering, focusing on application areas such as software analysis (software reverse engineering), software transformation (software re-engineering), software composition (modularity), and domain-specific languages. It is designed as a textbook for independent study as well as for bachelor’s (advanced level) or master’s university courses in Computer Science. An additional website provides complementary material, for example, lecture slides and videos. This book is a valuable resource for anyone wanting to understand the fundamental concepts and important engineering principles underlying software languages, allowing them to acquire much of the operational intelligence needed for dealing with software languages in software development practice. This is an important skill set for software engineers, as languages are increasingly permeating software development. |
| abstract and concrete language: Advances in Experimental Social Psychology Mark P. Zanna, 1999 Advances in Experimental Social Psychology continues to be one of the most sought after and most often cited series in this field. Containing contributions of major empirical and theoretical interest, this series represents the best and the brightest in new research, theory, and practice in social psychology. |
| abstract and concrete language: Locksley Hall Alfred Tennyson Baron Tennyson, 1869 |
| abstract and concrete language: Relations: Concrete, Abstract, And Applied - An Introduction Herbert Toth, 2020-06-22 The book is intended as an invitation to the topic of relations on a rather general basis. It fills the gap between the basic knowledge offered in countless introductory papers and books (usually comprising orders and equivalences) and the highly specialized monographs on mainly relation algebras, many-valued (fuzzy) relations, or graphs. This is done not only by presenting theoretical results but also by giving hints to some of the many interesting application areas (also including their respective theoretical basics).This book is a new — and the first of its kind — compilation of known results on binary relations. It offers relational concepts in both reasonable depth and broadness, and also provides insight into the vast diversity of theoretical results as well as application possibilities beyond the commonly known examples.This book is unique by the spectrum of the topics it handles. As indicated in its title these are: |
| abstract and concrete language: English Correspondences Marnina Marnina, Novika Amalia, Mutiana Nurmalasari B, Maru Mary Jones Panjaitan, Rias Wita Suryani, Wahyu Trimastuti, Rani Ratnasari, Sri Rahayu Juniati, Dias Andris Susanto, Fahmi Hidayat, Andri Fernanda, Tomi Arianto, 2024-08-12 In English Correspondences, the reader is drawn into a richly woven tapestry of letters exchanged between two estranged friends, book entitled English Correspondences which reconnect through a series of heartfelt correspondences. Set against the backdrop of contemporary English, this correspondence begins as a simple attempt to rekindle friendship after years of silence. As share in this chapters thoughts, dreams, and regrets, the letters reveal the complexities of their lives, including Eleanor's struggles with her career in the arts and journey through personal loss and rediscovery. Each letter serves as a window into their souls, exploring themes of love, forgiveness, and the passage of time. As the narrative unfolds, the letters become a catalyst for transformation, prompting both characters to confront their pasts and the choices that led them to this moment. Through this exchanges, they not only navigate this own emotional landscapes but also delve into the broader societal issues of identity, belonging, and the impact of technology on human connection. English Correspondences is a poignant exploration of friendship and the power of words to heal, reminding us that sometimes, the most profound connections can be found in the simplest of exchanges. |
| abstract and concrete language: Learning and Teaching Mathematics Peter Bryant, Terezinha Nunes, 2016-01-28 The authors of this volume, which is newly available in paperback, all hold the view that mathematics is a form of intelligent problem solving which plays an important part in children's lives outside the classroom as well as in it. Learning and Teaching Mathematics provides an exciting account of recent and radically different research on teaching and learning mathematics which will have a far reaching effect on views about mathematical education. |
| abstract and concrete language: The Oxford Handbook of Social Cognition, Second Edition Donal E. Carlston, Kurt Hugenberg, Kerri L. Johnson, 2024 This revised edition overhauls the first edition, with a majority of chapters reconceptualized, focusing on offering a comprehensive review and a new, multigenerational perspective. The chapter also includes a multitude of new topics, including gender identity, intersectionality, prejudice, happiness and wellbeing, questionnaire methodology, and more. |
| abstract and concrete language: All about Hawaii , 1883 |
| abstract and concrete language: The Anthem Dictionary of Literary Terms and Theory Peter Auger, 2010-07-15 This Dictionary is a guide to the literary terms most relevant to students and readers of English literature today, thorough on the essentials and generous in its intellectual scope. The definitions are lively and precise in equipping students and general readers with a genuinely useful critical vocabulary. It identifies the thinking and controversies surrounding terms, and offers fresh insights and directions for future reading. It does this with the help of extensive cross-referencing, indexes and up-to-date bibliography (with recommended websites). |
| abstract and concrete language: Abstract from the Concrete David Harvey, 2016 Marxist geographer and professor of anthropology and geography at the Graduate |
| abstract and concrete language: Imagery and Verbal Processes A. Paivio, 2013-11-26 First published in 1978. In this book the author has attempted to present a systematic theoretical and factual account of the role of higher mental processes in human learning and memory, and certain aspects of the psychology of perception and language. The major orienting theme of the book is its dual emphasis on nonverbal imagery and verbal processes (inner speech) as memory codes and mediators of behavior. Based on recent experimental evidence, the conceptual approach in a sense represents an integration of pre-behavioristic and behavioristic views concerning the nature of thought. The book is intended both as a textbook and as a theoretical monograph. |
| abstract and concrete language: Bilingual Minds Aneta Pavlenko, 2006-03-09 Do bi- and multilinguals perceive themselves differently in their respective languages? Do they experience different emotions? How do they express emotions and do they have a favourite language for emotional expression? How are emotion words and concepts represented in the bi- and multilingual lexicons? This ground-breaking book opens up a new field of study, bilingualism and emotions, and provides intriguing answers to these and many related questions. |
| abstract and concrete language: Concrete Lies & Abstract Truths Percy Glover, 2020-02-20 As eyes are like windows to the soul, writing is like a door. You get more than a glimpse; you are being invited into a person's innermost thoughts, desires and dreams.Percy Glover has seen and experienced a lot in life, and has proven time and again that your current position does not dictate your future success.-- Danielle E. Ward, author of Warning Signs: what every woman should know |
| abstract and concrete language: The Handbook of Intergroup Communication Howard Giles, 2012-06-14 The Handbook of Intergroup Communication brings together research, theory and application on traditional as well as innovative intergroup situations, exploring the communication aspect of these groups. The volume is organized into four domains – cross-disciplinary approaches to intergroup study; types/processes of communication between groups; communication between specific group types; and arenas in which intergroup communication takes place. Editor Howard Giles worked with an internationally-based advisory board to develop and review content, and the contributors included here represent those scholars doing innovative and well-regarded work around the globe. The intergroup umbrella integrates and transcends many traditional conceptual boundaries in communication (including media, health, intercultural, organizational); hence the Handbook will appeal to scholars and graduate students not only in the core area of intergroup communication itself, but across varying terrains of study in communication and beyond, including intergroup relations and social psychology. |
| abstract and concrete language: The Making of the Good Person Nora Hämäläinen, 2023-04-03 This book provides a philosophical assessment of the idea of personhood advanced in popular self-help literature. It also traces, within academic philosophy and philosophical scholarship, a self-help culture where the self is brought forth as an object of improvement and a key to meaning, progress, and profundity. Unlike other academic treatments of the topic of self-help, this book is not primarily concerned with providing a critique of popular self-help and self-transformative practices. Rather, it is concerned with how they work to shape contemporary forms and ideals of moral personhood and are conducive to moral renegotiation and change. The book consists of two parts with somewhat different argumentative strategies. Part 1 consists of an overview and reassessment of popular self-help literature and its sociological and journalistic critics, written from a moral philosophical perspective. Part 2 opens with discussion of the current attraction, among a range of philosophers, to self-transformative themes. The chapters assess the strand of self-transformative philosophy found in the work of Ludwig Wittgenstein, Michel Foucault, Pierre Hadot, Stanley Cavell, and Iris Murdoch. Finally, the book concludes with a discussion of the theme of social change and moral renegotiation in contemporary societies, which is a central but underestimated undercurrent in discussions on contemporary self-transformative practices. The book’s dual perspective—on both popular self-help and self-transformative currents in philosophy—enables a cultural and moral philosophical analysis of contemporary ethical ideals of personhood, as well as reflection on the literatures available for its development. The Making of the Good Person will be of interest to scholars and advanced students working in moral philosophy, history of philosophy, psychology, sociology, and literary studies. |
| abstract and concrete language: Model Driven Engineering Languages and Systems Andy Schürr, Bran V. Selic, 2009-09-30 The pioneering organizers of the ?rst UML workshop in Mulhouse, France inthe summerof1998couldhardlyhaveanticipatedthat,in littleoveradecade, theirinitiativewouldblossomintotoday’shighlysuccessfulMODELSconference series, the premier annual gathering of researchersand practitioners focusing on a very important new technical discipline: model-based software and system engineering. This expansion is, of course, a direct consequence of the growing signi?cance and success of model-based methods in practice. The conferences have contributed greatly to the heightened interest in the ?eld, attracting much young talent and leading to the gradualemergence of its correspondingscienti?c and engineering foundations. The proceedings from the MODELS conferences are one of the primary references for anyone interested in a more substantive study of the domain. The 12th conference took place in Denver in the USA, October 4–9, 2009 along with numerous satellite workshops and tutorials, as well as several other related scienti?c gatherings. The conference was exceptionally fortunate to have three eminent, invited keynote speakers from industry: Stephen Mellor, Larry Constantine, and Grady Booch. |
| abstract and concrete language: Language Edward Sapir, 1921 Professor Sapir analyzes, for student and common reader, the elements of language. Among these are the units of language, grammatical concepts and their origins, how languages differ and resemble each other, and the history of the growth of representative languages--Cover. |
How to Write an Abstract | Steps & Examples - Scribbr
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ABSTRACT Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
Abstract is most frequently used as an adjective (“abstract ideas”) and a noun (“an abstract of the article”), but its somewhat less common use as a verb in English helps to clarify its Latin roots. …
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An abstract is a short summary of your (published or unpublished) research paper, usually about a paragraph (c. 6-7 sentences, 150-250 words) long. A well-written abstract serves multiple …
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Abstracts - Purdue OWL® - Purdue University
Abstracts are generally kept brief (approximately 150-200 words). They differ by field, but in general, they need to summarize the article so that readers can decide if it is relevant to their …
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Jun 13, 2023 · An abstract is a concise summary of the details within a report. Some abstracts give more details than others, but the main things you’ll be talking about are why you …
What Is an Abstract? Definition, Purpose, and Types Explained
Dec 18, 2024 · In academic and professional writing, an abstract is a powerful and essential tool that concisely summarizes a larger document, such as a research paper, thesis, dissertation, …
Abstracts – The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at …
What is an abstract? An abstract is a self-contained, short, and powerful statement that describes a larger work. Components vary according to discipline. An abstract of a social science or …
What Exactly is an Abstract? | U-M LSA Sweetland Center for …
What Exactly is an Abstract, and How Do I Write One? An abstract is a short summary of your completed research. It is intended to describe your work without going into great detail. …
How to Write an Abstract (Ultimate Guide + 13 Examples)
An abstract is a brief summary of a larger work, such as a research paper, dissertation, or conference presentation. It provides an overview of the main points and helps readers decide …
How to Write an Abstract | Steps & Examples - Scribbr
Feb 28, 2019 · An abstract is a short summary of a longer work (such as a thesis, dissertation or research paper). The abstract concisely reports the aims and outcomes of your research, so …
ABSTRACT Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
Abstract is most frequently used as an adjective (“abstract ideas”) and a noun (“an abstract of the article”), but its somewhat less common use as a verb in English helps to clarify its Latin roots. …
Writing an Abstract for Your Research Paper - The Writing Center
An abstract is a short summary of your (published or unpublished) research paper, usually about a paragraph (c. 6-7 sentences, 150-250 words) long. A well-written abstract serves multiple …
Abstract Electronics, Inc.
Founded in 1996 Abstract Electronics distributes and sources electronic components and hardware for a wide variety of commercial and military OEMs and CEMs.
Abstracts - Purdue OWL® - Purdue University
Abstracts are generally kept brief (approximately 150-200 words). They differ by field, but in general, they need to summarize the article so that readers can decide if it is relevant to their …
How to Write an Abstract (With Examples) - ProWritingAid
Jun 13, 2023 · An abstract is a concise summary of the details within a report. Some abstracts give more details than others, but the main things you’ll be talking about are why you …
What Is an Abstract? Definition, Purpose, and Types Explained
Dec 18, 2024 · In academic and professional writing, an abstract is a powerful and essential tool that concisely summarizes a larger document, such as a research paper, thesis, dissertation, …
Abstracts – The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at …
What is an abstract? An abstract is a self-contained, short, and powerful statement that describes a larger work. Components vary according to discipline. An abstract of a social science or …
What Exactly is an Abstract? | U-M LSA Sweetland Center for Writing
What Exactly is an Abstract, and How Do I Write One? An abstract is a short summary of your completed research. It is intended to describe your work without going into great detail. …
How to Write an Abstract (Ultimate Guide + 13 Examples)
An abstract is a brief summary of a larger work, such as a research paper, dissertation, or conference presentation. It provides an overview of the main points and helps readers decide …
