Analyzing Anticipatory Phrases in the New Testament: A Stylistic Examination from a Psychological Perspective

Abstract

The research involves analyzing the stylistic aspects of expressions depicting anticipation, as found in English religious texts. Because it focuses on the language used in religious statements that deals with the idea of waiting, the study is very important. This study is concerned with investigating the influence of religious doctrines over language style. The research employs religious phrases of anticipation as discovered in the New Testament rendition of the Bible. It also employs an eclectic model of analysis for the purpose of this investigation. The eclectic model includes Crystal and Davy (1969) religious language analytical frame work , Van Noppen (1981) religious language style and  Short and Leech (2007) stylistic tool-kit . The questions raised in this study involve : What are the key lexical, semantic, grammatical, figure of speech, context, and cohesive linguistic items used within religious waiting statements? What does this investment mean exactly? What impact does the idea of waiting for invested language have?  The results of this analysis confirm that specific linguistic items, such as biblical collocations, God names, and religious archaic language, are used. Additionally, the Divine type metaphor is highlighted in religious contexts.