Transcript What is figurative language?

Diction
The author’s choice of words
Meaning

Words have two ways to communicate
meaning:
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Denotation
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the literal meaning of the word
Connotation
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an association (emotional or otherwise) which
the word evokes
Denotation
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This is the strict definition or
definitions that can be found in the
dictionary.
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Words are chosen for their denotative
meaning to express ideas clearly and
specifically.
Connotation
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Words can have a positive, negative, or
neutral connotation.
The connotation of a word can vary by culture,
region and time period.

For example, both "woman" and "broad" have the
denotation "adult female" in North American society,
but "broad" has somewhat negative connotations,
while "woman" is neutral.
Consider
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positive
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neutral
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There are over 2,000 homeless in the city.
There are over 2,000 people with no fixed
address in the city.
negative

There are over 2,000 vagrants in the city.
Slang
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Highly informal words and
expressions that are not considered
standard in the speaker's dialect or
language. Varies based on culture,
region, or time period.
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What slang terms do you use?
Consider
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Dude
Cool
Sucks
Sweet
omg jk! u ok? <3 u! c u l8r! kthxbi!
Rhetorical Impact

Correct use of slang can help the
author identify with the audience by
showing that he is knowledgeable
about the audience’s culture.

However, as informal diction, it may
make the author seem like he is not
taking the subject seriously.
Syntax
The way words are arranged
Definition
Syntax is the way words and
clauses are arranged to form
sentences.
That arrangement contributes to
and enhances meaning and effect.
In other words…
Or more simply:
It’s how authors put words and
phrases together.
Syntax helps authors effectively
make their points.
Tone
The author’s attitude towards
the subject
Definition

Tone is the author’s attitude towards
the subject.

For example:
“There’s This that I like About Hockey,
My Lad” by John Kieran (continued)
There’s
chap
There’sthis
thisthat
thatIIlike
likeabout
abouthockey
hockey, old chap;
I think you’ll agree that I’m right;
Although you may get an occasional rap,
good funfun in the fight.
There’s always good
So toss in the puck, for the players are set;
Sing ho! For the dash on the enemy net;
net
And ho! For the smash as a challenge is met;
And hey! For a glorious night!
night
Author’s Attitude towards Hockey
Author is speaking to
Tone
Tone is the attitude writers
take towards their subject .
Would this poem have a
different meaning for the
reader if the tone was
changed?
Figurative Language
Describing something through
comparisons
What is figurative language?

Whenever you describe something by
comparing it with something else, you
are using figurative language.
Types of Figurative
Language
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Imagery
Simile
Metaphor
Alliteration
Personification
Onomatopoeia
Hyperbole
Idioms
Imagery

Language that appeals to the
senses. Descriptions of people or
objects stated in terms of our
senses.
• Sight
• Hearing
• Touch
• Taste
• Smell
Simile

A figure of speech which involves a
direct comparison between two
unlike things, usually with the
words like or as.
Example: The muscles on his brawny
arms are strong as iron bands.
Metaphor

A figure of speech which involves
an implied comparison between two
relatively unlike things using a form
of be. The comparison is not
announced by like or as.
Example: The road was a ribbon wrapped
through the dessert.
Alliteration

Repeated consonant sounds
occurring at the beginning of words
or within words.
Example: She was wide-eyed and
wondering while she waited for Walter
to waken.
Personification

A figure of speech which gives the
qualities of a person to an animal,
an object, or an idea.
Example: “The wind yells while
blowing."
The wind cannot yell. Only a living thing
can yell.
Onomatopoeia

The use of words that mimic
sounds.
Example: The firecracker made a
loud ka-boom!
Hyperbole
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An exaggerated statement used to
heighten effect. It is not used to
mislead the reader, but to
emphasize a point.
Example: She’s said yes on several
million occasions.
Idioms

An idiom or idiomatic expression refers to
a construction or expression in one
language that cannot be matched or
directly translated word-for-word in
another language.
Example: "She has a bee
in her bonnet," meaning
"she is obsessed," cannot
be literally translated into
another language word for
word.