language techniques Flashcards
What is emotive language?
Words that provoke emotions (e.g., ‘a helpless, starving child’)
Emotive language is often used in persuasive writing to evoke strong feelings in the audience.
Define hyperbole.
Exaggeration for effect (e.g., ‘I’ve told you a million times!’)
Hyperbole is often used for emphasis or to create a dramatic effect.
What is an oxymoron?
Two contradictory words placed together (e.g., ‘bitter sweet’ or ‘deafening silence’)
Oxymorons are used to create an effect of contrast or to highlight a particular point.
What is colloquial language?
Everyday, casual language or slang (e.g., ‘Gonna,’ ‘Wanna,’ ‘Kiddo’) used to create a conversational tone
Colloquial language helps to establish a relatable voice in writing.
Define dialect.
The specific language or variety of language spoken by a particular group of people, often reflecting a region or class (e.g., ‘Y’all’ in Southern American English)
Dialect can convey cultural identity and social context.
What is an allusion?
A reference to a well-known person, event, or piece of literature (e.g., ‘She was a real Cinderella at the ball.’)
Allusions enrich the text by connecting it to broader cultural or historical contexts.
Define symbolism.
Using an object or element to represent something beyond its literal meaning (e.g., ‘A dove symbolizing peace.’)
Symbolism adds deeper layers of meaning to a narrative.
What is a paradox?
A statement that appears contradictory but reveals a deeper truth (e.g., ‘Less is more’)
Paradoxes challenge conventional thinking and provoke thought.
What does pathos refer to?
Appealing to the reader’s emotions (e.g., ‘How would you feel if this happened to your own child?’)
Pathos is a key component of persuasive writing.
Define ethos.
Appealing to the speaker’s credibility or authority (e.g., ‘As an experienced doctor, I can tell you…’)
Ethos helps establish trust between the speaker and the audience.
What is logos?
Appealing to logic and reason (e.g., ‘Statistics show that…’)
Logos is essential for constructing rational arguments.
What is verbal irony?
When a speaker says one thing but means the opposite (e.g., ‘Oh, great! Another homework assignment!’)
Verbal irony can add humor or emphasize a point.
Define situational irony.
When there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually happens (e.g., a fire station burns down)
Situational irony highlights the unpredictability of life.
What is dramatic irony?
When the audience knows something that the characters do not (e.g., in Romeo and Juliet, the audience knows Juliet isn’t dead, but Romeo does not)
Dramatic irony creates tension and engagement in storytelling.
Define contradiction.
A situation in which two or more elements or ideas contradict each other (e.g., ‘He is a liar, but I believe him.’)
Contradictions can reveal complexity in characters or situations.
What is assonance?
The repetition of vowel sounds in close proximity (e.g., ‘The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain.’)
Assonance is often used in poetry to create rhythm.
Define consonance.
The repetition of consonant sounds, especially at the end of words (e.g., ‘The lumpy bumpy road.’)
Consonance contributes to the musical quality of language.
What is cacophony?
A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds, often used for an unsettling effect (e.g., ‘The clash of metal, the honking horns.’)
Cacophony can evoke discomfort or chaos.
Define euphony.
A pleasing, harmonious combination of sounds (e.g., ‘The soft murmur of the breeze through the trees.’)
Euphony creates a soothing auditory experience.
