The Cambridge English Corpus is a large, continuously updated collection of written and spoken English texts that serves as a resource for linguistic research and the development of teaching materials. Compiled by Cambridge University Press, it encompasses a broad range of genres, including academic writing, conversations, literature, and more, reflecting various contexts and registers of the English language.
Language assessment refers to the systematic evaluation of an individual's language abilities, skills, and knowledge. It aims to measure various aspects of language, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing, and can be used in different contexts, such as education, language acquisition, immigration, and professional certification. Key components of language assessment include: 1. **Types of assessment**: - **Formative Assessment**: Ongoing assessments used to monitor student learning and provide continuous feedback for improvement.
Linguistic imperialism refers to the dominance of one language over others, often characterized by the imposition of that language on speakers of different languages. This phenomenon typically occurs in contexts where a dominant culture or group enforces its language, leading to the marginalization or even extinction of less dominant languages. It can manifest in various domains, including education, media, government, and international business.
Literacy refers to the ability to read and write, but it encompasses a broader set of skills than just basic reading and writing. It involves understanding and interpreting texts, as well as the ability to communicate effectively through writing. Literacy also includes critical thinking skills, such as analyzing and evaluating information, and the ability to engage with various forms of media. In addition to traditional literacy (reading and writing), the term has expanded to include digital literacy, which involves the ability to navigate and utilize technology effectively.
Translation is the process of converting text or spoken words from one language into another, while aiming to preserve the original meaning, tone, style, and context. It involves understanding linguistic nuances, cultural references, and the subtleties of both the source and target languages. Translation can apply to various forms of content, including literary works, technical documents, websites, and speeches.
In the context of linguistics, "usage" refers to the way in which language is used by speakers and writers in various contexts. It encompasses aspects such as grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and expression, reflecting both formal and informal standards of communication. Language usage can vary based on factors such as region, social group, dialect, and context, meaning that the same words or constructions may have different meanings or connotations depending on their use.
"Brutus" is a work by the Roman orator and philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero, written in 46 BCE. This text is a dialogue that discusses the theory and practice of rhetoric, and it also addresses the history and development of Latin oratory. In "Brutus," Cicero reflects on the great orators of the past and his contemporaries, comparing their styles and contributions to the art of persuasion.
Burlesque theatres are venues that host burlesque performances, a form of theatrical entertainment that combines music, dance, and drama, typically featuring humor and satire. Burlesque originated in the 19th century and was characterized by its playful and often risqué portrayal of various subjects, incorporating elements of parody, variety acts, and striptease. The shows are known for their vibrant costumes, elaborate choreography, and often involve a mix of comedic sketches and dance performances.
The Helsinki Burlesque Festival is an annual event in Finland that celebrates the art of burlesque, featuring performances, workshops, and various shows by local and international artists. The festival typically includes a mix of different styles of burlesque, from classic acts to modern interpretations, showcasing the diversity and creativity within the genre. Founded to promote and celebrate burlesque culture, the festival attracts performers and audiences alike, fostering a sense of community among fans and artists.
In literary terms, contrast refers to the technique of comparing two or more elements within a text to highlight their differences. This can involve characters, themes, settings, or ideas. By juxtaposing contrasting elements, authors can emphasize particular attributes, create tension, reveal deeper meanings, or develop character dynamics. For example, contrasting characters might have opposing traits or moral values, which can create a dynamic interplay that drives the narrative.
Elocution is the skill of clear and expressive speech, particularly the proper pronunciation, intonation, and phrasing of words. It encompasses not only how words are spoken but also the articulation, voice modulation, and emotional expression involved in delivering spoken content. Elocution has traditionally been a part of schooling and training in public speaking, drama, and performance, emphasizing the importance of effective communication in various contexts, such as speeches, presentations, and theatrical performances.
Gasparino Barzizza is a historical figure, primarily known in the context of early 20th-century Italian literature and culture. He was an Italian writer, poet, and journalist active during the early 1900s, contributing to various literary and artistic movements of the time. His works often explore themes such as social justice, the human condition, and the complexity of life in modern society.
Hypsos can refer to a few different things depending on the context, but one common reference is to a company or organization involved in the field of environmental consulting or related services. For instance, Hypsos may provide support in areas such as landscape architecture, urban planning, and sustainability. Another potential reference is to Hypsos as a term in various fields, such as a scientific term referring to height or elevation (from the Greek "hypsos" meaning "height").
A jeremiad is a type of literary work, speech, or discourse that laments the state of a society, often expressing deep dissatisfaction and concern about moral decline or social issues. The term is derived from the biblical prophet Jeremiah, who is known for his sorrowful prophecies and warnings about the consequences of the people’s sins and injustices. Jeremiads often include a critique of current societal values, a call for reform or repentance, and a hopeful vision for the future.
In rhetoric, a "keyword" generally refers to a significant term or phrase that encapsulates the main ideas or themes of a text, speech, or argument. It is often a focal point around which discussions revolve, serving to convey the core message or to evoke specific feelings, ideas, or values in the audience. Keywords can be especially important in persuasive writing and speaking, as they can help to structure arguments, attract attention, and create resonance with the audience.
A literary topos (plural: topoi) refers to a conventional theme, motif, or rhetorical device used in literature. The term originates from the Greek word "topos," meaning "place," and in a literary context, it denotes a common or recurrent theme that can be found across various works and genres. Topoi can serve as familiar frameworks that authors utilize to convey ideas, evoke emotions, or engage readers.
"Memoria" can refer to several different concepts depending on the context in which it is used: 1. **Latin Meaning**: In Latin, "memoria" translates to "memory." It often refers to the act of remembering, the faculty of the mind by which information is encoded, stored, and retrieved. 2. **Cultural References**: "Memoria" may appear in various cultural, literary, or artistic works.
Mundus inversus, or "inverted world," is a concept that typically refers to a world where the usual order of things is reversed or turned upside down. This can be interpreted in various contexts, including literature, mythology, philosophy, and art. In literature and folklore, mundus inversus often serves as a metaphorical space where societal norms are subverted, allowing for exploration of themes such as morality, justice, and identity.
Parallelism in grammar refers to the use of similar structures in writing and speaking to create rhythm, clarity, and balance. It involves matching the grammatical forms of words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence or across multiple sentences, thereby enhancing coherence and readability. For example, in a list, parallelism ensures that each item shares the same grammatical structure: - **Parallel**: "She enjoys reading, writing, and hiking.
A paraprosdokian is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is unexpected or surprising in a way that creates a humorous or ironic effect. It often plays on the listener's anticipation and then subverts it, leading to an unexpected twist. This technique is commonly used in humor and comedic writing. For example: "I told my wife she was drawing her eyebrows too high. She looked surprised.

Pinned article: Introduction to the OurBigBook Project

Welcome to the OurBigBook Project! Our goal is to create the perfect publishing platform for STEM subjects, and get university-level students to write the best free STEM tutorials ever.
Everyone is welcome to create an account and play with the site: ourbigbook.com/go/register. We belive that students themselves can write amazing tutorials, but teachers are welcome too. You can write about anything you want, it doesn't have to be STEM or even educational. Silly test content is very welcome and you won't be penalized in any way. Just keep it legal!
We have two killer features:
  1. topics: topics group articles by different users with the same title, e.g. here is the topic for the "Fundamental Theorem of Calculus" ourbigbook.com/go/topic/fundamental-theorem-of-calculus
    Articles of different users are sorted by upvote within each article page. This feature is a bit like:
    • a Wikipedia where each user can have their own version of each article
    • a Q&A website like Stack Overflow, where multiple people can give their views on a given topic, and the best ones are sorted by upvote. Except you don't need to wait for someone to ask first, and any topic goes, no matter how narrow or broad
    This feature makes it possible for readers to find better explanations of any topic created by other writers. And it allows writers to create an explanation in a place that readers might actually find it.
    Figure 1.
    Screenshot of the "Derivative" topic page
    . View it live at: ourbigbook.com/go/topic/derivative
  2. local editing: you can store all your personal knowledge base content locally in a plaintext markup format that can be edited locally and published either:
    This way you can be sure that even if OurBigBook.com were to go down one day (which we have no plans to do as it is quite cheap to host!), your content will still be perfectly readable as a static site.
    Figure 2.
    You can publish local OurBigBook lightweight markup files to either https://OurBigBook.com or as a static website
    .
    Figure 3.
    Visual Studio Code extension installation
    .
    Figure 4.
    Visual Studio Code extension tree navigation
    .
    Figure 5.
    Web editor
    . You can also edit articles on the Web editor without installing anything locally.
    Video 3.
    Edit locally and publish demo
    . Source. This shows editing OurBigBook Markup and publishing it using the Visual Studio Code extension.
    Video 4.
    OurBigBook Visual Studio Code extension editing and navigation demo
    . Source.
  3. https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ourbigbook/ourbigbook-media/master/feature/x/hilbert-space-arrow.png
  4. Infinitely deep tables of contents:
    Figure 6.
    Dynamic article tree with infinitely deep table of contents
    .
    Descendant pages can also show up as toplevel e.g.: ourbigbook.com/cirosantilli/chordate-subclade
All our software is open source and hosted at: github.com/ourbigbook/ourbigbook
Further documentation can be found at: docs.ourbigbook.com
Feel free to reach our to us for any help or suggestions: docs.ourbigbook.com/#contact