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Comparative Survey, Descriptive Research

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  Comparative survey research is a type of descriptive survey where it aims to compare the status of two or more variable, institutions, strategies etc. This technique often uses multiple disciplines in one study.This does not only compare different groups but also same group over time.Few points are to be kept in mind before starting the comparative survey. ·        Comparison Points -The research should be very clear regarding the points to be compared. This can also be identified through review of literature and experience of experts. ·        Assumption of Similarities -  One has to be clear about the similarities the two variable hold. If the researcher do not find this there is no point of comparison. Criteria of Comparison - The researcher has to identify the criteria of comparison keeping in mind the fairness and objectivity. Appropriate tools has to be identified for measurement of criterion variables. Comparative survey research is carried on when the researcher cannot
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Structuralism in Language

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 Define Langue and Parole                           Deconstruction

Modernism and its Chief Features

Poststructuralism

    Structuralism finds its origin in the work of early 20th century linguist Ferdinand de Saussure (1857-1913). His attempt was to reduce language to a set of propositions based upon formal relationship that define and exist between various elements of language as a system of signs. According to him, a linguist sign has two components- Signifier and the Signified. The former is the word, the alphabets arranged in a particular order; whereas, latter is the concept that the signifier stands for.

    The other separation that Saussure insisted in the field of linguistics was between specific speech acts and the general system (or structure) of language. The first he called Parole and the second Langue. To make sense of an utterance i.e. parole, one should be aware of the underlying system of work i.e. langue.

     When applied to literature, Structuralism argues that every text has its own structure and that the text can be understood through perceiving the structure. It analyses literature in a way that enables a critic to look at all the different parts that make up the story like characterization, conflict, resolution etc.

Chief Features of Structuralism

·        1)  The meanings we attribute to words are entirely arbitrary and prescribed through usage and convention only. There is no relation between a word and its meaning. For ex: the meaning of the word ‘plate’ at present time is entirely different from its historical meaning.

·        2)  Linguist elements are defined in relationships of combination and contrast with one another. All the words are interwoven, and because they all are interrelated, they don’t have the same meaning in isolation.

·         3) Language constitutes our world and our very existence. Therefore, the meaning of the word is always imposed by human mind. It is never universal. For ex: ‘Freedom fighter’ and ‘terrorist’ holds different meaning, accordingly accepted by various persons.

    The famous structuralist schools are- Russian Formalism, the Prague School, Semiotics and Structural Narratology.

    The famous thinkers related to Structuralism are Mikhail Bakhtin, Roman Jakobson, C.S. Peirce, Roland Barthes, Julia Kristeva, Yury Lotman etc.

            To an extent Structuralism is justified, but the theory has been erroneously extrapolated. This theory is majorly limited to academic research and scholarly discussions.

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