Grammatical compression

In newspaper headlines

Compression means tightening of language, occupying less space which is manifested in omitting and combining grammar items. Compression is mainly found in newspaper headlines, defined as short titles printed in heavier type at the top of a newspaper article telling what it is about. Being highly informative and attempting to attract the reader’s attention newspaper headlines have become so independent that can be defined as little texts. If we compare news discourse structure across the centuries, we shall see a qualitative shift from multiple-decked headlines outlining the story (which almost tell the story) to short ones. Grammatical compression as a vivid feature of newspaper headlines is determined by their two-fold purpose to both be highly informative and attract the attention of the reader.

Main manifestations of language compression in newspaper headlines are combination and omission. By combination we mean using of one term instead two or even more that leads to generalization of the event, e.g., Shortage of supplies (The International Herald Tribune, 10.09.2011). In this example supplies is resulted from combination of such language units as fuel and food.

Omission of unnecessary details adds to nominalization of newspaper headlines that, among other things, minimizes the representation of violence, e.g. Four arrests in UK anti-terror raids (The Financial Times, 17.11.2009). Omission of indefinite articles makes a headline more action-oriented and encourages the reader to perceive the event as a whole without paying special attention to its parts.

Thus, the development of modern news discourse is characterized by linguistic compression which continues to be a major force in changing news language that becomes tighter while the news becomes harder.

Kuzmina S., Tripses J.

(Vinnytsya; Illinois, the USA)

Fulbright collaboration

The Fulbright program was created in 1946 after World War II for the “promotion of international good will through the exchange of students in the fields of education, culture and science.” This semester in Ukraine on a Fulbright has been a once in a lifetime experience for Jenny Tripses.The richest opportunities come through collaborations on projects that benefit students and are meaningful to all concerned. Such as been the case with the collaborations between Svetlana Kuzmina and Jenny Tripses.

Productive collaborations are based upon common interests. Sveta and Jenny as Fulbrighters, recognize the rich rewards gained from time in another culture. Each of us spent extended time living in another country and recognized how much these experiences changed us. We knew we had to figure out ways to encourage and support students from the VinnytsiaPedagogical University to apply for Fulbright and other study abroad program applications. The project involved the creation of a testimonial in Russian by Anastasia Chermetskaya, herself a Fulbrighter, on her experiences with Fulbright. Anastasia’s Fulbright involved two semesters at Illinois Central College in East Peoria, Illinois. Her testimonial will be posted on YouTube for Vinnytsia students to view. Materials will be made available to students to review the Fulbright application process. Additionally, plans are underway to develop a preparationprocess to support students in the proposal. Bradley University is starting an online class for this purpose, which willinform the process in Vinnytsia. Prior to submission of proposals, Svetlana and Jenny will conduct a final review process and revision of proposals prior to submission

Another project involves instructional technology. Fulbright provides funding for materials to give to the host institution, which will be used to purchase a Smartboard to be used by faculty at the Pedagogical University. As a former principal and now professor who prepares principals, Jenny recognizes the critical importance of careful planning for implementation of instructional technology. Sveta and Jenny are working with Dean Tamara to develop processes for implementation of the instructional technology; professional development for teachers; and evaluation of use in the classroom will be created. Svetlana Kuzmina will write a Fulbright grant for the training and Jenny will follow up on this project when she returns in fall 2012.

Based upon common interests to Vinnytsia students and the Fulbright program, Svetlana and Jenny have worked together to support others who want to travel and study abroad and use the latest instructional technologies to promote international good will. Once a Fulbrighter, always aFulbrighter.