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Elastic language is a phenomenon in linguistics that refers to how we stretch the meanings of words, depending on the context in which they are used – for example many, about 20, perhaps, could be. This study looks specifically at elastic language in the fields of medicine and healthcare, showing how it is used to serve both the patient's and the professional's needs. It explores the pragmatics and metapragmatics of elasticity in the delivery of online medical information as a way of avoiding miscommunication. Based on data from Chinese and English sources, it takes a cross-cultural perspective, to present an account of harmony and disharmony between professional medical websites and their users. Adding exciting new dimensions to the fields of health communication and pragmatics, it is essential reading for scholars and advanced students in semantics, pragmatics, discourse analysis and interactional linguistics, as well as professionals involved in healthcare and communication.

In Vague Language, Elasticity Theory and the Use of'Some', Nguyet Nhu Le and Grace Qiao Zhang present the first comprehensive study of the word'some', focusing on its elasticity. In particular, they consider how'some'is both a quantifier and a qualifier, has positive or negative meanings, and has local and global interpretations. They show that the word is used across a meaning continuum and can be used to convey a range of states, including approximation, uncertainty, politeness, and evasion. Finally, they demonstrate that the functions of'some'are also multi-directional and non-categorical, consisting of four major functions (right amount of information, mitigation, withholding information, and discourse management).Based on naturally-occurring classroom data of L1 (American English) and L2 (Chinese- and Vietnamese-speaking learners of English) speakers, Vague Language shows that L2 speakers used'some'more than L1 speakers and explores the significance of this, particularly taking account of speakers'language ability and cultural backgrounds. While this book focuses on the single word'some', the authors'discussion has important implications for language studies more generally, as they call for a rethinking of our approaches to language study and more attention to its elasticity.

'Six Short Chapters on Automorphic Forms and L-functions'treats the period conjectures of Shimura and the moment conjecture. These conjectures are of central importance in contemporary number theory, but have hitherto remained little discussed in expository form. The book is divided into six short and relatively independent chapters, each with its own theme, and presents a motivated and lively account of the main topics, providing professionals an overall view of the conjectures and providing researchers intending to specialize in the area a guide to the relevant literature. Ze-Li Dou and Qiao Zhang are both associate professors of Mathematics at Texas Christian University, USA.

Using Chinese Synonyms is an essential reference book, specifically designed for non-native speakers of Chinese, and for teachers and other language professionals who want a user-friendly guide to the finer nuances of Chinese synonyms. It contains approximately 1700 synonyms in 316 groups. With the particular needs of non-native speakers of Chinese in mind, this invaluable book selects and explains words and phrases in everyday use, allowing students to enhance their knowledge of one of the most important and widely-spoken languages in the world. This book assists in the development of fluent, spontaneous and skilful use of Chinese synonyms.