Analysis terminology Flashcards
Terminology useful when analysing texts in A level english language
Collocation
The combination of words formed when two or more words are used together in a way that sounds correct eg fish and chips
Connotations
the implied and associated meanings of a word
Hook
Used within a text to catch attention
Purpose
Why the text was created
Repetition
When words/phrases are repeated often for impact
Lexis
The word
Figurative language
Sentences/phrases that use language to suggest other meanings
Hyperbole
Exaggerating statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
Pejoration
The process where a word becomes negative over time eg gay
Taboo
Subjects that are prohibited or restricted by social custom
Syntax
The order of words in a sentence
Phonology
The study of language as a sound system
Pragmatics
The context in which the semantics of utterances are implied by the reader/listener
Antiquated lexis/Archaic language
Old fashioned or outdated words
Synonyms
A group of words whereby they all share the same meaning
Cliché
A phrase or opinion that is overused and lacks original thought
Denotive Lexis
Literal meaning of a word
Irony
Expression of ones meaning by using language that usually signifies the opposite
Amelioration
when a words meaning becomes positive over time eg nice
Semantics
A words meaning
Imagery
Two types of imagery exist:
Visual - the qualities of how something looks used to create and image in the readers head
Sensory -descriptive language aimed to engage all five senses of the reader
Personification
Giving a non human thing human characteristics
Field specific lexis/Jargon
Words that relate to certain groups/professions and are difficult for outsiders to understand
Subject
A noun or noun phrase functioning as the main component of a clause
Genre
The style or category of literature
Mode
The type of text
How to say ‘slang’ when analysing texts
Colloquialisms
Intensifier
An adverb used to give force or emphasis
Ambiguity
Being open to more than one interpretation/not having one clear meaning
Audience
The readership/listeners
Discourse
How an entire text is constructed
Pathetic fallacy
giving emotion to something non human
Metaphor
A figure of speech that directly refers to one thing by mentioning another
What is GRASP
When analysing it is looking at:
Genre
Register
Audience
Subject
Purpose
Graphology
The visual aspects of a text (generally considered a lower more accessible language level and therefore should avoid focusing on this, rather use it in aid of other analysis)
Lexicon
The language of a person or branch of knowledge - the meaningful units in a language
Idiom
A group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from the individual words eg its raining cats and dogs
Register
The degree of formality a text has - based on vocabulary, pronunciation and syntax around the social context
Semantic field
A set of words with semantically related items
Simile
A figure of speech involving a direct comparison of one thing with another of a different kind
Euphemism
A mild or indirect expression as a substitution for one considered to be too harsh or blunt
Emotive language
Language which is used to provoke an emotional response
Grammar
the structure of language - how words are put together in sentences
Compounds
Two or more words are linked together to create a new word and meaning
Adjectives
Descriptive words
