Based on cross-cultural data in educational settings, this book explores elasticity in language, focussing on the use of the word ‘some’.

In Vague Language, Elasticity Theory and the Use of ‘Some’, Nguyet Nhu Le and Grace Qiao Zhang present the first comprehensive study of the word ‘some’, focusing on its elasticity. In particular, they consider how ‘some’ is both a quantifier and a qualifier, has positive or negative meanings, and has local and global interpretations. They show that the word is used across a meaning continuum and can be used to convey a range of states, including approximation, uncertainty, politeness, and evasion. Finally, they demonstrate that the functions of ‘some’ are also multi-directional and non-categorical, consisting of four major functions (right amount of information, mitigation, withholding information, and discourse management). Based on naturally-occurring classroom data of L1 (American English) and L2 (Chinese- and Vietnamese-speaking learners of English) speakers, Vague Language shows that L2 speakers used ‘some’ more than L1 speakers and explores the significance of this, particularly taking account of speakers’ language ability and cultural backgrounds. While this book focuses on the single word ‘some’, the authors’ discussion has important implications for language studies more generally, as they call for a rethinking of our approaches to language study and more attention to its elasticity.

"A welcome book which provides a wealth of data and potentially interesting ideas on some which can be used to help linguists and language teachers understand the differences between different L1 and L2 groups. It prompts questions about whether some is a device that L2 speakers use to avoid more complex and linguistically demanding explanations or whether they use some to cover gaps in their lexical stores." - Journal of Pragmatics

"This impressive and engaging book by Nhu Nguyet Le and Grace Qiao Zhang is the first to provide a systematic and comprehensive analysis of some through the fresh elasticity theory. The authors look at the versatile pragmatic functions as well as lexical and syntactic roles this vague item performs in spoken educational contexts. Adopting a mixed-methods approach for the readers’ profound understanding of the functions of some in L1 versus L2, this insightful book can serve an invaluable resource for all involved in pragmatics and intercultural communication." - Peyman G.P. Sabet, ESL teaching academic, Curtin University, Australia