Article omission

[Milanya]

There is an excerpt:

Easily as compelling, if not more so, is the body-bending act by contortionist Elena Lev of Russia (Cirque du Soleil has a penchant for what could be seen as physical extremism), who twirls a batch of golden metal hoops around herself.

In this excerpt, there is no article before the word contortionist. Although contortionist is a countable noun, I feel that the article omission is not a mistake in this case. But I was not able to find an explanation either in any of the reference books I have or online.

I know that if you put commas before and after Elena Lev, or rephrase the sentence as Elena Lev, a contortionist from Russia, then the article would be needed.

Could you please explain why an article is not needed in the original sentence, or point out an appropriate reference source for me to find an answer?

Thank you very much,
Milanya
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con·text - The part of a text or statement that surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning.

[Kitosdad]

It is not often that "our Milanya" is stumped.

"is the body-bending act by," is the introduction to what follows and an article is not required (IMHO).

The "the " article could have been used, but would have been superfluous in this context.

I'm sure to be wrong, but I just had to make some comment on your question Milanya.

I hope you are keeping well and still happy in Texas.

Kitos
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Keep it simple ... Keep it interesting.

[Milanya]

Hi Bill,
Thank you for your concern. I am still alive and kicking. Texas is still very hot. I love it here.

I think that the reason for the abscence of an article is a proper name following an occupation. It is the same with titles, military ranks, academic degrees, etc.
Occupation: A carpenter fixed the door. _ Carpenter Smith fixed the door.
Military rank: The colonel has given an order. _ Colonel Jones has given an order.
Title: Her Magesty the Queen! _ Queen Elizabeth was the daughter of Henry the VIII. The Count was challenged to a duel. _ Count Dracula is very famous.
Academic degree: A professor made a presentation. _ Professor Brown made a presentation.
He is a doctor. _ Doctor Grey spoke to a patient.

Etc. is what I am interested in; and the rule, of course.
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con·text - The part of a text or statement that surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning.

[Cerberus™]

An interesting question: I don't have the answer.

I don't think it is in all respects limited to names or persons; numbers or other coded designations may behave similarly - or is the following essentially different?
- Will the second candidate please step forward? - Will candidate number three be so kind as to take off his underwear?
- I am bidding on the third lot. - Lot thirteen contains mishaps and some bad luck.
- Many students have disappeared from the B dormitory (sounds not as natural to me). - A few hundred skulls were found in dormitory D.

What strikes me as well is that the addition of an adjective sometimes requires adding the article as well, but not always:
- Trapping his victims was no problem for the intelligent count Dracula. - (The article cannot be left out.)
- The second trick, performed by famous contortionist Elena Lev, will surprise you all. - ("The" could also be added; I suspect that it is only left out when "famous" is to be considered part of her title or status.)
- You must ask High Commissioner Lewinsky about this affair. (The adjective is part of her function, hence the capitals.)

[Milanya]

Is there a rule I can follow? I cannot follow my guts, because I am not a native speaker and I need to understand things before I am able to use them.
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con·text - The part of a text or statement that surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning.

[Cerberus™]

I wish I knew, too...

[Milanya]

Some more about articles, or rather lack thereof:

He was elected president.
They took me prisoner.
He was appointed ambassador.
He is founder, manager and, i suspect, also foreman of...
I don't like this kind of table.
I can't be buyer and seller too.
To relieve the pressure of water the Romans routinely biult great fountains at the point where aqueduct met city.
He was twirling the stem of a wineglass between thumb and first finger. (I suspect that "his thumb and forefinger" would be better, but I am not sure.)
It has to grow, and to be handed down from father to son.
But when the word Chinese refers to the people, the definite article might come into play.

Why do the words in bold not have articles? Are the articles needed and omitted or are they not needed for some reason?
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con·text - The part of a text or statement that surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning.

[Milanya]

Why do the words in bold not have articles? Are the articles needed and omitted or are they not needed for some reason?
_________________
con·text - The part of a text or statement that surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning.

[David30]

It is a rule that no article should be used before predicative nouns denoting a unique position.

[Milanya]

[Gkukreti]

Interesting! Thanks David :)

[Alan]

Hi,

You may find the material I've written about the articles of some use:

http://www.english-test.net/lessons/57/index.html This then continues as (2) (3) and (4)

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Milanya]

Thank you Alan,
Your material is very interesting and informative, but it still does not explain why these countable, singular, common nouns do not have articles.
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con·text - The part of a text or statement that surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning.

[Richard]

It's going to be 1 month I have been following this page's comments curiously.
Now, it's my question too.
Thank you Milanya. This is a real learning.:D
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Global Marketing

[Milanya]

I believe I have found some answers.

Articles are omitted:

1. Before Predicative Nouns denoting a unique position such as those that are normally held at one time by one person only
http://www.iline.in/chapter_5.aspx
He was elected president.
He was appointed ambassador.
He is founder, manager and, I suspect, also foreman of...

2. After kind of, sort of, type of (Practical English Usage by Michael Swan):
I don't like this kind of table.

3. With double expressions, particularly with prepositions (Practical English Usage by Michael Swan)
I can't be buyer and seller too.
He was twirling the stem of a wineglass between thumb and first finger.
It has to grow, and to be handed down from father to son.

4. These I believe to be set expressions:

come into play.
they took me prisoner/ hostage.
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con·text - The part of a text or statement that surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning.