Language Features Flashcards
Formal Language
To convey the seriousness of the occasion or message. To provide clarity to the reader.
Colloquial Language
People feel a little more comfortable with this language; it’s friendlier, relaxed and is understood by most people.
Slang
When used well, it creates a sense of belonging to a certain group. Gives the reader insight into where a text might beset.It’s easy to use but you won’t find it in any formal pieces.
Jargon
Bonds people from the same group or profession: direct clarity. Expresses a level of expertise, knowledge or authority regarding the subject matter.
Simile
Draws us into the text by making us think about the connections between two things. Creates more clear, vivid images in our heads. We can visualise the writer’s thoughts.
Metaphor
Can be more word-efficient by allowing readers to visualise ideas. Certain ideas can be reinforced by using an extended metaphor: the same comparison is used throughout the text.
Personification
It may surprise us by associating an inanimate object with human qualities. Pairing two distant things together in this way can even be funny or amusing.
Alliteration
Appeals to our sense of rhythm. Makes a text more attractive and invites the ear in when read aloud. The lines may sound connected to bring a sense of“completeness” to the text.
Assonance
Texts can become lyrical, almost, and may feel like a song.Sounds are intentionally pieced together to connect ideas or to create a vivid picture/feeling of the thing in question.
Rhyme
Certain letters create certain feelings or emotions: ‘p’ gives a bright, short and sharp popping sound; ‘s’ might sound slippery, or like hissing; ‘m’ and ‘n’ sounds can have a yummy, warm sound, maybe like a big hug.
Onomatopoeia
It gives a certain concreteness to the word or action. Prescribes a particular feeling for the thing being described or provokes a particular reaction.
Rhythm
Gives the text a sense of life, of movement, like it has its own heartbeat. When read aloud, it carries the text and builds suspense or sense of direction in the text.
Rhetorical Question
A very persuasive form of speech and prompts a particular response from the audience. Aims to get audience thinking from a certain perspective to gain support. Can also be quite dramatic.
Question
Encourages the reader/audience to think about their answer to the question.
Cliche
They’re easy to understand but a lil’ boring. However, there’s a certain familiarity created by cliches and they can be used to form a better connection with the audience.
Personal Pronouns
Personal pronouns can make readers feel apart of something by using we, us and our. Can also work to exclude others through using they and them.
Imperative
Persuasive and direct; it is a command not a request.
Emotive Language
Some words evoke certain positive reactions: “dainty”, “delicate”, “pure”, “impressive”. Some words have negative associations:“ He lived in squalor, in a dilapidated shack on the edge of society.”
Hyperbole
To emphasise a point.
Repetition
Stresses major points and makes sure the listener gets the message. Can even create rhythm to produce a more inviting and memorable text.
Parallel Structure
Patterns are used to increase clarity for the reader and makes the text more impactful.
Comparative/Superlative
Emphasises the positive. Allows a wider comparison of a quality; something can be better or the best rather than just “good”.
Slogan
Memorable through repetition. Associates certain words and phrases with a product, person or group.
Pun
Usually for humour. Can capture a wider meaning. Can be used to retain attention through clever construction and associated meanings.
