Humanising Language Teaching
Year 4; Issue 2; March 02

Contradiction

By Herbert Puchta and Mario Rinvolucri

Language focus:
propositional meaning, as opposed to connotative or pragrmatic meaning.

Proposed M.I. focus:
Logical-mathematical and linguistic

Level:
Advanced

Time: 20-30 minutes

Preparation:
None

In class:

1. Write up this sentence on the board:
   " There are no adjectives in this short sentence"
   Wait for the class to react. ( "short" is an adjective) Clearly this sentence contradicts itself, as does this one:
   " There aren't any negatives on this line "
   
   
   
2. Ask the students to rule three columns on a landscape sheet in front of them. They head the first column CONTRADICTORY and the second column I'M NOT SURE and the third column COHERENT. Ask them to take down the sentences you dictate in the column they believe to be the appropriate one.
   • This sentence is meaningless.
   • This sentence is in my handwriting.
   • Do not put statements in the negative form
   • This sentence ends with an adjective
   • Avoid putting statements in the negative form
   • It is always reasonable to assume that the word "always" is rarely accurate
   • And don't start sentences with a conjunction
   • Never use a long word were a diminutive one will do.
   • They were advised against using passives
   • My handwriting is beautifully legible
   • If any verb is improper at the end of sentence, a linking verb is
   • Ellipsis not recommended.
   • It is never a good thing to think and talk in absolutes
   • This sentence ends with a noun
   • Don't you never go using double negatives, now will you?
   • This dictation will stop at the end of this sentence.
   • Unqualified superlatives are the worst of all.
   • This sentence ends with a verb.
   • May I ask a question?
   
   
   
3. Ask the students to work in threes and compare their categorisation of the sentences.