The distinctiveness of Quaker prose, 1650-1699: a corpus-based enquiry

Roads, Judith (2015). The distinctiveness of Quaker prose, 1650-1699: a corpus-based enquiry. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

[img]
Preview
Roads15PhD.pdf
PDF - Accepted Version

Download (6MB)

Abstract

This study ascertains what is recognisably distinctive about seventeenth-century Quaker prose compared to other contemporary varieties of prose, and identifies characteristic features of that style. By compiling and investigating through corpus analysis techniques a collection of texts from a wide range of authors, I reveal key elements of the language through quantitative methods not previously applied to this subject. The study is not genre-based nor is it a literary investigation of a single author. The corpus is unusual in comprising texts by many different people within the same community of practice, demonstrating a remarkable uniformity of style and discourse.
Typical stylistic features include a speech-like informal register, idiosyncratic syntax and sentence length, and I suggest reasons why Quakers developed this sociolect. In key Quaker lexis I found unexpected frequencies and usage, including findings that differ from assertions in the critical literature. Corpus analysis provides new insights into early Quakerism as well as establishing a new mode of research. My findings clarify understanding of early Quaker writing, experience and practice, dispelling some present-day misconceptions.

Type of Work: Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)
Award Type: Doctorates > Ph.D.
Supervisor(s):
Supervisor(s)EmailORCID
Mason, OliverUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Thompson, PaulUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Adlington, HughUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Licence:
College/Faculty: Colleges (2008 onwards) > College of Arts & Law
School or Department: School of English, Drama and American & Canadian Studies, Department of English Literature
Funders: None/not applicable
Subjects: P Language and Literature > PE English
URI: http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/5938

Actions

Request a Correction Request a Correction
View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year