Vol. 58 No. 1 (2010)
Research Article

Names, Epithets, and Pseudonyms in Linguistic Case Studies: A Historical Overview

Published 2010-03-01

Keywords

  • SAMUEL BECKETT,
  • LITERARY ONOMASTICS,
  • NAMES OF CHARACTERS,
  • AUTHORIAL NAME

Abstract

Abstract

This article explores the use of names, epithets, and pseudonyms as they have been employed since the late eighteenth century to label subjects in linguistic case studies. I focus on two kinds of case studies: those of normal language learning, and those of persons with unusual language profiles. Various naming practices attested in this literature imply a range of relationships holding among authors, readers, and the subjects of case studies. Moreover, it appears that, over time, authors have differently prioritized the factors that bear on the choice of a name, epithet, or pseudonym.

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