Transcript The Propaganda Model

STYLE
Style is the way language is used: words, phrases, sentences,
paragraphs and whole texts. Style is described with adjectives
such as:
• academic
• business-like
• colloquial
• cultured
• formal
• informal
• poetic
• precise
• vulgar
STYLE: Formal and informal
The two main categories of style are formal and informal.
The choice of formal or informal language communicates
social messages, such as:
• respect vs. intimacy
• distance vs. solidarity
• expertise vs. openness
• trustworthiness vs. friendliness
STYLE: Formal and informal
Formality is expressed through the following:
• Diction
• Syntax
Verb forms
Noun phrases
• Sentence complexity
Length
Clause structure
Completeness
• Attitude
Involvement
Commitment (modality)
• Point of view
• Structure
Diction
FORMAL
INFORMAL
Words are
• long
• rare
• abstract
• specific
• of French, Latin
or Greek origin
Words are
• short
• common
• concrete
• general
• of Anglo-Saxon or
Germanic origin
Syntax
Noun phrases
Informal texts tend to favour that clauses for postmodification
Verbs
Formal texts favour passive verb forms
Informal texts favour active verb forms
Sentence complexity
FORMAL
INFORMAL
Sentences
• are long
• favour subordination
• use full verb forms
Sentences
• are short
• favour coordination
• feature ellipsis and
contractions
Attitude
INVOLVEMENT:
Formal texts are impersonal, objective and neutral
Informal texts are personal, subjective and emotive
COMMITMENT:
Formal texts are tentative and indirect
Informal texts are direct, straightforward
and blunt
Structure
FORMAL
INFORMAL
Longer paragraphs,
tightly organised with
cohesive devices such
as linking words
Looser organisation,
may rely on short
paragraphs to separate
individual ideas