Beyond the Boundaries of English: Nonsense Language in Children's Literature

Abstract

This thesis examines the relationship between nonsense language and children’s literature. Nonsense language as a field of study provides linguists with a means of examining language within the bounds of natural languages by drawing attention to linguistic structures and properties and opening them up to examination. Because of its affinity for oral storytelling and linguistic playfulness, children’s literature provides an ideal genre for nonsense authors. This thesis will look closely at three nonsense authors within the field of children’s literature: Roald Dahl, Dr. Seuss, and Shel Silverstein. By examining the work of these authors, this thesis will demonstrate that there is a strong connection between nonsense language and children’s literature, and that by reading children’s literature we are able to gain an awareness of our own understanding of how language works.