The expression of sentiment: an analysis of the use of intensifiers in song lyrics in a bilingual context.
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2023-07-17
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en
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In this research paper, the relation between emotional expressiveness and language through use of song lyrics will be examined. Song lyrics will be analysed in Dutch and English to see whether or not there is any difference in how strongly sentiments are expressed for songs written in either the first or the second language. This will be done by analysing intensifiers. These intensifiers are divided into standard and strong intensifiers, and a setlist of songs will be analysed to see whether or not these intensifiers appear more frequently in one language compared to the other. The intensifiers are also analysed according to their valence, either positive or negative. After analysing the songs, it can be concluded that intensifiers are used more frequently by Dutch singer-songwriters in English than in Dutch, and that positive intensifiers appear more frequently than negative ones in both languages, though English lyrics contain more negative intensifiers, specifically more strong ones. After conducting this research, it can be concluded that different types of intensifiers are used to express different types of emotions.
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