Binomial Expressions in Le Morte Arthur

Binomial Expressions in Le Morte Arthur

Creators Shimogasa Tokuji

The word 'binomial' is originally a mathematical terminology, and in linguistics it refers to the pairings of two words of similar types joined by such coordinate conjunctions as and or or. The Oxford English Dictionary defines as 'an expression consisting of two words of the same form-class.' Linguistics (May 1964；69) defines as 'combinations of two synonymous words or words expressing nearly related ― or, in some cases, opposite ― conceptions'. Professor lnna Koskenniemi of Turku University, Finland, uses this terminology in the analysis and discussion of the dramas of early modern English. This is a very popular linguistic expression which has been employed from Anglo-Saxon period until the present day. ln Middle English verse or metrical texts, in special measure, this linguistic technique or figure of speech is remarkable. The romance in question abounds in this linguistic phenomenon. The aim of our present study is to make a comprehensive survey of the so-called binomial expressions appearing in this romance. We have an overwhelming number of binomial expressions there. Binomials consisting of two adjectives are the most frequent in number, and then continue those of two substantives. Furthermore, two-verb paired expressions or binomials are not infrequent. Though scarce in number, we cannot overlook the existence of binomials of two adverbs. The profuse employment of such fixed or stereotypical expressions helps the audience to understand the contents of romances as clearly and quickly as possible. The binomials function as a rime phrase in many cases. And moreover, as needs arise, we'll refer to the difference between the quality of romances and that of Chaucer.

[ISSN]1342-7148