INTRODUCTION 1.1 RATIONALE
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
This study investigates the linguistic features of argumentative utterances in the American TV series "The Last Ship," spanning seasons 1 to 5 It aims to enhance English learners' understanding of how participants in arguments demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while also highlighting the linguistic characteristics of effective argumentative discourse.
The study attempts to attain the following objectives:
1) to analyze argument types used in the arguments in the American TV series “The Last Ship”
2) to identify the linguistic features of argument types used in the arguments in the American TV series “The Last Ship”.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
For the achieve the above objectives of the study, the research attempts to answer the following questions:
1) What are the argument types used in the arguments in the American TV series “The Last Ship”?
2) What are the linguistic features in terms of syntactic, semantic and pragmatic features in the arguments in the American TV series “The Last Ship”?
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This research aims to contribute both theoretically and practically to the understanding of argumentation in language Theoretically, it seeks to provide valuable insights for researchers studying language arguments and assist English learners in recognizing the relationship between argument patterns to enhance problem-solving skills Practically, the findings are intended to benefit English language teachers by offering guidance for teaching Pragmatics and the linguistic features of argumentative utterances Additionally, the study may aid English learners in identifying speaker implicature and understanding arguments through illocutionary acts commonly used in everyday conversations.
ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY
The study is intended to be organized into the following five chapters:
This chapter includes the statement of the problem, the aims and objectives, the scope of the study, the research questions, the significance and organization of the study.
LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL BACKGROUND 2.1 REVIEW OF PREVIOUS STUDIES
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
This study examines the linguistic characteristics of argumentative utterances within arguments, highlighting essential concepts such as critical thinking, various types of arguments, and pragmatic features.
Critical thinking, as defined by the Cambridge Dictionary, involves carefully analyzing a subject or idea without being influenced by emotions or personal opinions This concept, first introduced by Socrates, emphasizes the importance of questioning widely accepted beliefs and distinguishing between reasonable, logical views and those that may be appealing but lack sufficient evidence or rational support.
According to Lau (2011) in "An Introduction to Critical Thinking: Think More, Think Better," critical thinking is defined as the ability to think clearly and rationally It encompasses precise and systematic thought processes while adhering to the principles of logic and scientific reasoning.
In everyday language, an argument is commonly viewed as a heated disagreement between individuals However, in the realms of logic and critical thinking, an argument consists of a series of statements, where one statement serves as the conclusion and the others function as premises or assumptions supporting that conclusion.
So you should bring an umbrella
An argument consists of a premise, which serves as a reason for accepting the conclusion Accepting an argument while rejecting its conclusion is irrational Providing reasons is essential to the process of critical thinking.
Expressing an opinion differs from making an argument; for instance, stating "that dress looks nice because the design is very elegant" constitutes an argument In contrast, dogmatic individuals often assert their beliefs without providing supporting reasoning When challenged, they may defensively claim, "this is a matter of opinion," "this is just what you think," or "I have the right to believe whatever I want."
Constructing, identifying, and evaluating arguments is essential for critical thinking, as it enhances our ability to persuade others and refine our presentation and debating skills By supporting our beliefs with well-reasoned arguments, we not only strengthen our positions but also increase our chances of uncovering the truth while minimizing errors and biases.
Linguistic entailments arise when specific words, phrases, or sentences lead to necessary conclusions As noted by Beth (1955), these entailment phrases represent relationships between propositions and are typically expressed in the form of "if ".
A then B," meaning that if A is true, then B must also be true Another way of phrasing this is, "if A is true, then B must necessarily be true."
In pragmatics, entailment, implicature, and presupposition are key concepts related to the assumptions made by listeners or readers about a situation (Sauerland, 2007) Unlike implicature, where the truth of statement A suggests but does not necessitate the truth of statement B, entailment requires a direct connection without room for reinterpretation For instance, the sentence "Jack missed the meeting after his car broke down" implies causation but does not guarantee it, as Jack could have missed the meeting for unrelated reasons Similarly, entailment differs from presupposition, which assumes the truth of a given statement; for example, "the king of France is not ill" presupposes the existence of a king, making the statement logically true yet typically interpreted as false due to the absence of a referent In contrast, entailment does not permit such ambiguities regarding referents.
In semantics, entailments depend entirely on the denotation (also called the
In Murphy's Lexical Meaning (2010), the definition of words can be illustrated through entailments, such as, "If it is a shoe, then it is made to be worn on a foot," which highlights the specific meaning of 'shoe' as footwear, distinct from its adjectival use For an entailment to hold true, the conclusion (B) must always be valid whenever the premise (A) is true To evaluate the truth of an entailment, one can consider whether it is possible for B to be false while A remains true.
A is true?" In order to accurately recognize entailments, a strong knowledge of the denotation of the word is required
Validity is a crucial concept in critical thinking, as highlighted by Lau (2011) A valid argument ensures that the conclusion logically follows from the premises, meaning there is no scenario where the premises are true and the conclusion is false Therefore, if an argument is valid and the premises are accurate, the conclusion must also be true This principle indicates that employing valid arguments in reasoning, along with true premises, guarantees that the conclusion will always be correct.
(2.5) P: Marilyn is 20 years old (True)
C: Marilyn is more than 10 years old (True)
The validity of an argument is determined by the logical connection between its premises and conclusion, rather than the actual truth of those statements For instance, even if we do not know Marilyn's age, the conclusion logically follows from the premise, maintaining its validity regardless of whether both are true or false Thus, an argument can be considered valid if the conclusion necessarily follows from the premise, highlighting the importance of logical structure over factual accuracy.
(2.6) P: Every bird can fly Every bat is a bird
While the argument is logically valid—meaning that if the premises were true, the conclusion would also be true—both premises are actually false For example, not all birds can fly, as seen with the ostrich, and bats, which are mammals, do not fall under the category of birds Nevertheless, the conclusion that all bats can fly is true This illustrates that a valid argument can possess false premises while still leading to a true conclusion.
Valid arguments cannot have true premises and a false conclusion, although there can be valid arguments based on false premises and false conclusions As noted in the literature review, Lau's book does not provide examples illustrating false premises and false conclusions.
A valid argument ensures that if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true; however, it does not guarantee the actual truth of the premises or conclusion When an argument is both valid and has all true premises, it is classified as a sound argument, which inherently means that the conclusion is true.
In An Introduction to Critical Thinking and Creativity: Think More, Think
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY 3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN
RESEARCH PROCEDURES
In order to carry out the research, I plan to follow these steps:
- Collecting and classifying data from the transcript of the TV series “The Last Ship” to get the samples (200 samples)
- Analyzing the corpus to find out typical features of the research topic in terms of the argument types and linguistic features
- Synthesizing the findings and giving the conclusions
- Presenting the delimitations of the study
- Suggesting some implications for teaching and learning English as well as for further research.
RESEARCH METHODS
To achieve the main goal, several methods have been used simultaneously in the study:
The observational method was employed to select data pertinent to the study, focusing on the linguistic features present in the TV series "The Last Ship." This analysis involved gathering information through careful observation of the series and its transcriptions.
- Descriptive and analytic method: to describe systematically the linguistic features of the speech act of arguing and argument types used by the characters in
TV series “The Last Ship”.
SAMPLING
The sampling involves identifying argumentative conversations between two or more participants within a specific context, ensuring that each exchange includes at least one premise supporting a conclusion A comprehensive argument sample must feature clearly marked premises and conclusions, utilizing pragmatic markers These arguments can be constructed from various linguistic units, including single words, phrases, clauses, or sentences that effectively convey argument patterns.
He's gonna bleed out Just wait! Somebody gets the doc
In urgent situations, immediate action is crucial; there may be no time for medical assistance To effectively support your friend, it’s essential to remain calm, hold him steady, and attentively follow the guidance provided.
(Steinberg and Welsh, 2014, The Last Ship, season 1, episode 1)
In the analysis of TV series transcripts, it's important to note that not all samples exhibit the complete range of features Shortened arguments may lack premises, conclusions, pragmatic markers, or specific syntactic structures, which can vary based on context Therefore, understanding the implicature of speakers within a scene is crucial for interpreting their intended meanings.
In a tense exchange, Commander Chandler of the US Navy confronts Amir, the leader of a terrorist group holding Tex, a crew member, hostage The terrorists demand all the food in the building in exchange for Tex's release, highlighting the stark contrast in social power between the military commander and the terrorist leader This encounter marks their first interaction, both men of similar age, as they navigate the high-stakes negotiation.
Listen to me, Amir You want the entire southwest corner of the warehouse That's almost half the food in the entire place Is that gonna make you happy?
No! You will leave all the food on this side of the building or he dies!
Well, now, see, we got a bit of a problem with that
Because there's one thing from the old world that still applies today, something that will never change We don't negotiate with terrorists
(Steinberg and Welsh, 2014, The Last Ship, season 1, episode 3)
The sampling method employed ensures that each sample has an equal chance of being selected from the corpus A total of 200 argumentative conversations will be randomly extracted from the transcripts of the TV series "The Last Ship," created by Steinberg and Welsh, covering all five seasons.
DATA COLLECTION
The research data is sourced from reputable websites in the US and Vietnam using Google search This thesis focuses on three reliable websites that offer all episodes in mp4 format along with transcripts of the series.
TopTVShows.me adheres to 17 U.S.C § 512 and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), implementing a policy to address infringement notices and take necessary actions in accordance with the DMCA and relevant intellectual property laws.
ForeverDreaming.org, established in 2001, offers a well-organized transcript of dialogues that are clearly arranged by scenes and attributed to character names While this site primarily features transcripts for Seasons 1, 2, and 3, I will need to explore additional resources to find transcripts for the remaining two seasons.
Springfield! Springfield! is my third resource for gathering research data, featuring a comprehensive database of thousands of TV show and movie scripts, including the final two seasons of "The Last Ship."
DATA ANALYSIS
The analysis of linguistic features in argumentative utterances from the transcript of the American TV series "The Last Ship" reveals significant insights into the show's dialogue structure.
- Identifying the argument types in terms of the explicitness of the arguments and argument types in terms of dimension of Approval/Disapproval;
- Analyzing the syntactic features of argument types used in the arguments in TV series “The Last Ship” in terms of linguistic structures of indicators, premised and conclusion
This article explores the pragmatic features of argumentation in the TV series "The Last Ship," focusing on the various types of arguments employed It highlights the use of pragmatic markers that signal different dimensions of argument, examines illocutionary acts that effectively convey arguments, and analyzes the speaker's implicature within these discussions Through this analysis, the article sheds light on how these elements contribute to the overall effectiveness of communication in the series.
The results are presented qualitatively, followed by a quantitative illustration of the frequency of each category through tables or graphs Ultimately, these findings are synthesized to draw comprehensive conclusions.
RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY
Reliability and validity are crucial concepts in research, each representing different aspects of measurement quality Reliability, as defined by Trochim and Donnelly (2006), indicates the consistency of a method in producing the same results under identical conditions In contrast, validity assesses the accuracy of a measurement in capturing the intended construct Understanding the distinction between these two terms is essential for ensuring robust and credible research outcomes.
If research has high validity; that means it produces results that correspond to real properties, characteristics, and variations in the physical or social world
To ensure the reliability and validity of the data, I conduct an analysis of 200 additional corpora collected over a different timeline, following the same steps used in the initial analysis of 100 pilot corpora This approach helps verify whether the results remain consistent over time and confirms that the intended measurements are achieved This step is crucial for minimizing subjectivity in data interpretation and enhancing the overall reliability and validity of the findings.
This chapter analyzes the findings from the data, focusing on the various types of arguments and their syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic characteristics as depicted in the TV series "The Last Ship."
4.1 ARGUMENT TYPES USED IN THE ARGUMENTS IN TV SERIES
This thesis explores two primary types of arguments: valid/sound arguments (VA(s)) and invalid/unsound arguments (InA(s)) An analysis of the initial 100 pilot samples reveals the frequency of these argument types, which is summarized in the following table.
Table 4.1: The Frequency of Argument Types in TV Series “The Last Ship”
Total Complete Form Shortened Form
According to Lau (2011), validity is a crucial element of critical thinking, as using valid arguments ensures that true premises lead to true conclusions This enhances the reliability and persuasive power of utterances, resulting in a high frequency of valid arguments in samples—accounting for 82% of the total Importantly, the validity of an argument can be assessed independently of the actual truth of its premises and conclusion, focusing instead on the logical relationship between them An illustrative example can be seen in the dialogue between Commander Chandler and Admiral Ruskov.
In a tense phone conversation, Commander Chandler and Admiral Ruskov discuss a recent conflict between their ships in a U.S bay Despite their differing ages and ranks, both hold significant authority This is their first encounter, and the lack of familiarity is palpable as Ruskov's ship strategically positions torpedoes underwater, effectively blocking the bay's exit.
Admiral, I need to advise you that you are in United
States territorial waters and are standing into danger Withdraw seaward or you will be subject to defensive action
Commander Chandler, I have searched for you worldwide, but I seek no more conflict Once you fulfill my demands, you and your crew will be free to leave the harbor and explore the Earth at your leisure.
And what would those demands be?
You possess the original strain of the virus that poses a global threat, and you are expected to deliver it to me, along with Dr Rachel Scott and her comprehensive research findings.
Sorry, admiral, but I don't know what you're talking about and the thing is, I don't take orders from you Now, I'm gonna ask you one more time, move your ship
As your Navy and your country no longer exist there is no higher authority but me If you don't do as I
Ruskov: say, you and your crew will leave this harbor atop a mushroom cloud You saw what happened to France You know what my ship is capable of
I suggest we meet somewhere face-to-face, negotiate a peaceful solution to our problem
It will be my pleasure
(Steinberg and Welsh, 2014, The Last Ship, season 1, episode 3)
(Forever Dreaming Retrieved April 2nd, 2019 from http://transcripts.foreverdreaming.org/)
In the conversation, the two interlocutors have their own premises that are all valid in their perspectives and that can persuade the other about their premises
In this analysis, both the premises and conclusions are confirmed to be true, resulting in a comprehensive understanding of Virtual Assistants (VAs) Notably, this category of VAs represents a significant portion, comprising over half of the 100 samples examined.
Valid arguments are defined by their premises leading to a true conclusion; however, in various TV series, we observe valid arguments that feature false premises yet still arrive at a true conclusion This type of argumentation often occurs in discussions between individuals who lack familiarity with one another, allowing one party to leverage false premises as a means of intimidation By exploiting the opponent's limited knowledge, the speaker can manipulate the conversation to achieve their desired outcome.
In their second face-to-face meeting, Commander Chandler and Admiral Ruskov engage in a tense dialogue to seek a mutually beneficial resolution Ruskov is determined to obtain the primordial sample, along with Dr Rachel and her research, while Chandler insists on allowing his ship to leave the bay This pivotal conversation highlights the conflicting interests of both leaders as they navigate a delicate negotiation.
We have no interest in keeping the vaccine to ourselves It's for the world
While you engaged in war games in the Arctic, a devastating virus spread uncontrollably, leaving a trail of destruction and fear Bodies accumulated rapidly, and panic intensified, leading to conflicts between nations and divisions within families In a shocking display of violence, sixty million Chinese lives were lost in just three days, reminiscent of a brutal culling The grim reality suggests that the world may no longer be worth saving.
So, what, you wanna keep the vaccine for yourself?
What I want is of no concern to you
Well, I don't have it Not yet, at least
You lack a crucial ingredient that only I have Therefore, you must provide me with the primordial sample, your research, and Dr Scott, or face dire consequences in Cuba.
As long as we possess what you desire, you won't attack my ship The current standoff will only result in countless more casualties Therefore, let me present my best offer: a sample of the primordial virus If you require additional quantities, I can provide them at no extra cost.
I'm sorry That will not do, not at all Dr.Rachel Scott, she's the one I want
Well, that's not gonna happen
I can outlast you and your band of cowboys My ship
Chandler: has enough nuclear fuel to patrol this harbor for the next 25 years
You will receive nothing, Admiral, and as you remain out there, consider how I will sustain my men when the Americans control all the food on the island.
(Steinberg and Welsh, 2014, The Last Ship, season 1, episode 3)
LINGUISTIC FEATURES EXPRESSED IN THE ARGUMENTS IN TV
TV SERIES “THE LAST SHIP”
This section of the thesis examines the linguistic characteristics of syntax, semantics, and pragmatics found in the argumentative utterances within the TV series "The Last Ship."
The data discussed in this part of the thesis are the 100 pilot samples of argumentative utterances in TV series “The Last Ship”
4.2.1.1 Syntactic Features Expressed in the Arguments in TV Series
Argumentative utterances exhibit distinct syntactic features through various sentence structures, including simple, compound, and complex sentences Analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data on these structures provides valuable insights into their pragmatic functions and frequency of occurrence in argumentative discourse.
Table 4.2: Syntactic Distribution of Argumentative Utterances in TV Series “The Last Ship”
Table 4.2 illustrates that simple sentences are the most prevalent structure in argumentation, as they provide short and precise statements that bolster interlocutors' premises Following simple sentences, compound sentences rank second in usage, while complex sentences are the least common Simple sentences exhibit versatility, appearing in declarative, interrogative, and imperative forms, whereas compound sentences share this flexibility In contrast, complex sentences are primarily found in declarative and occasionally interrogative forms, with no instances of imperative sentences identified, as their urgency is not effectively conveyed through this structure.
In a tense discussion aboard a US Navy ship, Commander Chandler mediates a debate between his crew members regarding the perilous decision to return to El Toro's island to rescue a girl The executive officer, Mike, advocates for the rescue despite the dangers involved, while master chief Shawn counters with compelling arguments focused on the safety of the crew This conversation highlights the differing social statuses and perspectives of the middle-aged men, emphasizing the moral dilemma of duty versus safety in a high-stakes situation.
This cannot stand I know it's not our mission, and I don't care We cannot leave those people like that
Gentlemen, let's keep our heads cool! This is not the mission at hand
We're supposed to save the world Shouldn't it be worth saving?
Without Burk, Tex, and the necessary weapons, uncertainty looms What if we fail to return? The fate of our crew and Dr Scott, who relies on the monkeys, hangs in the balance The absence of our leader could leave the team vulnerable and directionless.
I have daughters You have a daughter
(P) (C) (Steinberg and Welsh, 2014, The Last Ship, season 1, episode 5)
(Forever Dreaming Retrieved April 2 nd , 2019 from http://transcripts.foreverdreaming.org/)
The analysis reveals that declarative sentences are the most frequently used in the corpus, comprising NX#FX% of the total, as illustrated in Table 4.2 This prevalence is attributed to their role in presenting persuasive premises within argumentative utterances In contrast, interrogative sentences account for a smaller proportion at N'#F'%, while imperative sentences represent the least frequent usage at N#F%.
The analysis reveals a notable prevalence of simple sentences, including declarative statements like “I have daughters” and interrogatives such as “What happens to him?” and “What'll Dr Scott do without monkeys?” Additionally, imperatives are present, exemplified by “let's keep our heads cool!” Compound sentences serve a declarative purpose, as seen in “I know it's not our mission, and I don't care,” while compound-complex sentences also convey similar meanings, such as “If we had Burk and Tex and weapons, maybe, but this?” Interestingly, there is only one interrogative in the compound-complex category: “What will happen if we don't make it back?” This may indicate the Speaker's intent to avoid imposing on the Hearer, allowing them to form their own opinions, thereby demonstrating negative politeness.
4.2.1.2 Semantic Features Expressed in the Arguments in TV Series
This study investigates the semantic characteristics of two types of modality—epistemic and volitional modality—found in argumentative utterances within the TV series "The Last Ship."
This article examines the linguistic features of argumentative utterances in the TV series "The Last Ship" through a cross-analysis approach Chart 4.1 illustrates the semantic distribution of epistemic and volitional modality within these utterances, highlighting their significance in the series' dialogue.
Chart 4.1 Semantic Distribution of Modality of Argumentative Utterances in TV Series "The Last Ship"
In argumentative discourse, precise language is crucial for constructing valid arguments that support the Speaker's premises and persuade the Hearer Analysis of chart 4.1 reveals that the percentage of epistemic modality in argumentative utterances from the TV series "The Last Ship" is marginally higher than that of volitional modality, with the difference being minimal, represented by NW#FW% for epistemic and NC#FC% for volitional.
Onboard a ship, a conversation unfolds between two men of the same age but contrasting social standings: Quincy, a remorseful scientist held captive, and Bacon, a soldier bound by duty to obey the captain's orders.
Quincy plays chess daily in his room, despite being a prisoner His assistance is crucial for Doctor Rachel's urgent experiment.
Bacon, a U.S Navy soldier, has been playing chess with Quincy for three months under orders from his superior Initially strangers, they have grown close, and Quincy is now attempting to persuade Bacon that the Captain's decision is questionable Quincy's goal is to gain Bacon's trust and enlist his help in executing a plan to escape from jail.
Dr Scott's experiments must be failing
Well, you said yourself that they should be using you If they were really failing; don't you think they would be?
Your captain is a stubborn individual who struggles to admit his mistakes, leading to unjust punishments for the wrong people His refusal to share the vaccine ingredients nearly caused a catastrophic breach in the hull while evading the Russians Additionally, his poor decision-making almost resulted in disaster when the water filtration system failed, and his reckless parachute stunt left everyone in the dark about the unfolding situation I speak the truth, Bacon; regardless of whether you want to hear it, your captain is concealing something important from you.
(Steinberg and Welsh, 2014, The Last Ship, season 1, episode 6)
(Forever Dreaming Retrieved April 2 nd , 2019 from http://transcripts.foreverdreaming.org/)
In this example, the epistemic modal auxiliary verb "must" conveys a strong inference based on available evidence, indicating the speaker's confidence in the truth of their statement, as seen in "Dr Scott's experiments must be failing." This certainty is supported by the evidence at hand, and Quincy reinforces his conclusion with further declarative statements, such as "Your captain's a stubborn man." Additionally, other modal markers like "almost," "should," and "would" are employed in the same context to express epistemic modality.