Analysis of the systemic differential values of “Normally” and “Usually” in contemporary English

Abstract

This study aims to determine the differential properties between "Normally" and "Usually" in contemporary English. These linguistic units are presented as synonyms, despite the assumption made by Ferdinand de Saussure (1916) that language is a system, which excludes perfect synonymy. The study, which is microsystemic in nature, is conducted within the theoretical framework of meta-operational grammar, using the analytical tools derived from it. The findings of this research indicate that these two units are indeed distinct: "Normally" has a set status, corresponding to the initial introduction in discourse, while "Usually" has a retaken status, referring to the second meaning structuring.

Keywords

• analysis
• invariant value
• normally
• usually
• contemporary english