...Figurative Language versus Literal Language By: Angelle Dent PHI210 Professor Carrie Prettiman January 20, 2012 The purpose of this paper is to explore the meaning and functionalities associated with figurative language versus literal language. Traditionally, figurative language, such as metaphors and idioms, have been considered derivatives from and more complex than ostensibly straightforward language. “A contemporary view is that figurative language involves the same kinds of linguistic and pragmatic operations that are used for ordinary, literal language” (Glucksberg, 1975). Figurative language is language that uses words and or expressions with a meaning that is different or a variation from the literal interpretation. Literal language, in comparison, is very direct and straightforward in approach by simply conveying facts. When a writer or author uses literal language, he or she is stating the facts as they are. Figurative language, on the other hand, is very common in poetry and verses and is used in prose and nonfiction writing using creativity and imaginative expression conveyed through personal ideas or opinions. Figurative language is often used as a literary device that many authors use to bring the reader into the actual writing. The language is written in such a way that what is being said or stated is different from the actual literal meaning of the words. Some common types of figurative languages are defined and explained below. Idiom:...
Words: 1193 - Pages: 5
...Assignment 2: "Figurative Language versus Literal Language" Michael J Pope Strayer University Dr. Keyes October 28, 2013 Using and misusing figurative language may make it more difficult for others to engage in productive thinking. Listed below are ten (10) types of figurative language. When a person uses figurative language to express or exchange information to someone else it may create a difficulty for others to engage in productive thinking. Figurative language can be used to communicate an idea however it is not meant to be taken literally therefore is can create confusion. For example, if you say “the whole nine yards” or you have “a chip on your shoulder” these phrases are not meant to be taken in their literal meaning. The person is trying to convey they want “the whole package or deal” or trying to ask if something is “bothering you”. This type of communication is used on a daily basis and the most common types are idioms, analogies, metaphors, hyperboles, similes, clique, euphemism and colloquialisms. However the confusion lies in the ability of the person receiving the information and their individual capability to recognize and interpret the meaning of the information that is being provided. Therefore it is important to understand what figurative language is and when it and with whom it is appropriate to use. Idioms are defined as “an expression in the usage of a language that is peculiar to itself either grammatically or in having...
Words: 1561 - Pages: 7
...Figurative Language versus Literal Language Sharon D. Dove October 29, 2012 We use language to communicate with each other regardless of where we live in this world. We can either speak or write literally or figuratively. In literal language we say or write exactly what we mean while in figurative language our meaning is less obvious. In the following pages we will look at some of the figurative language adopted by the English language. For each term I will give the definition, followed by an example. I will then describe an appropriate circumstance for using the example and when it might lead to misunderstanding. Idiom: The language peculiar to a people or to a district, community, or class. Don’t give up your day job. This idiom is commonly used to describe someone who believes they are very good at something and could make a living doing just that when in fact in the eyes of others they are really actually no good. Analogy: The inference that if two or more things agree with one another in some respects. They will probably agree in others. During election times we can hear candidates saying things like, Bill Clinton, Rhode Scholar is to genius as Mitt Romney is to ignorance. Metaphor: A figure of speech in which an implied comparison is made between two unlike things that actually have something important in common. The weather was so heavy on Saturday, it was raining cats and dogs, is an example of a metaphor. We use this metaphor to explain...
Words: 780 - Pages: 4
...Figurative Language versus Literal Language Victoria Campbell Philosophy 210 Critical Thinking Michael Volpe April 22, 2012 Sensory Perceptions Sensory perceptions refer to your senses. The five senses are sight, touch, sound, smell and taste. Each sense has its own unique characteristic for each person. Sensory information can be both accurate and inaccurate. There are also factors that contribute to the accuracy of sensory data as well. Finally there is also an accepted methodology that complies with the standards of the scientific method. All of these things time in together with sensory perceptions. First is the accuracy or inaccuracy of sensory information. Sensory information can be both accurate and inaccurate. The short term element of memory is inaccuracy. Retaining impressions of sensory information after the actual event occurred from is referring to short term memory. It is received through the five senses of sight, hearing, smell takes and touch. It is in some sense a buffer for the stimuli. It can be retained for accuracy, but it actually does not last very long at all. An example would be putting your keys down and doing something and then forgetting where you put them. The stimuli which is detected through ourselves has the ability to be ignored or perceived. That factor can be both accuracy and inaccuracy. When it is ignored, it disappears almost immediately. When it is perceived, it will enter into the sensory memory. “This does...
Words: 906 - Pages: 4
...The English language is known as being one of the most difficult languages to learn. There are many reasons for this, a major factor being the use of figurative language. Since the English language is packed with figures of speech is can be very confusing to truly comprehend what someone is trying to get across. This doesn’t just go for the new comers to the English language but also to native English speakers. Throughout this paper I will define and give examples for ten different types of figurative language while providing appropriate usage. These types of figurative language include idiom, analogy, metaphor, simile, cliché, amphiboly, fame word, hyperbole, euphemism, and lastly colloquialism. Idiom Idioms are words or phrases that mean something different from what they are literally saying. For example “to burn the candle at both ends” means to exhaust yourself by doing too much ("Language Arts," 2010). At first it might not make much since. After thinking about it you may realize if you lit a candle at both ends it would actually burn out two times faster than just being lit on one side. An appropriate circumstance for using this example would be if you had a friend that worked two jobs and went to school full-time. You could say “wow you really are burning the candle at both ends”. Again you are stating how your friend is over working themselves and how they could burn out just like the candle. Analogy An analogy compares certain similarities between things which...
Words: 1537 - Pages: 7
...Sensory Perceptions Calvin Douglas Hunter Critical Thinking-PHI 210 SONJA SHEFFIELD Strayer University January 17, 2013 When we are first born our five senses are just starting to develop from the first taste of food to hearing our mother and father speak, even the touch of a person hand. Some would say at the time a baby is born they are not aware of their surroundings and unable to survive it is very important for parents to help in their survival. They will hear words and not understand, hear sounds around them and will not know what they mine, until they are taught, they do not know at this time how important their senses will be to them until later in life and how their senses will interact with their brain. Our brain can help us make statements which will help us personally, perceive. Kirby and Goodpaster (2007), pg. 53 believes “there is nothing in the mind unless it is first in the senses says in stark simplicity, that our brain would be empty without our senses. If this view is correct, then sensing would be the main source of raw data for our thinking: If we sense better, we can think better.” Whenever there is nothing contradicting to our beliefs there would be any reason to believe that which we perceive to be inaccurate. However, factors that may contribute to the accuracy of sensory data are as follows: Source of data and cognitive ability: To obtain accurate sensory data, the source of data must be received through the senses of sight, hearing, smell...
Words: 739 - Pages: 3
...In our society, words and what order those words fall in contribute to their meaning. That’s why it is very important to use words in the correct grammatical order, correct context and exact language. The power of words affects our senses, thinking, feelings creativity and the way we think. It is imperative that we must understand the phrases and meanings of words before they can properly be used. When language is shaped properly, it will assimilate into a culture. Since the English language is rich and varied, it offers an array of choices when communicating. Here are a few of those choices. An idiom is a phrase that when spoken outside of a particular culture it seems incomprehensible. This peculiar use of phrases is not taken literally but is understood by members of that culture. A phrase such as “jump the shark.” is an idiom. It doesn’t mean to literally jump the shark, it means when a show or radio program has reached the impending inevitable end. Using this term is appropriate when others understand the terms meaning. It would be inappropriate to use idioms in cultures where the meanings of the words are challenging and hard to understand. Analogies use comparison to highlight similarities between two or more things. They are often using to clarify issues. Here’s an example of an analogy Hot is to Summer as cold is to winter or the famous Forest Gump analogy says “life is like a box of chocolates because you never know what you're going to get.” That’s the function of...
Words: 1145 - Pages: 5
...Figurative Language Versus Literal Language Aikins-Kouakou J Raymond Professor Edward Campana PHI 210 Critical Thinking 11/07/2013 Strayer University Abstract Figurative and Literal language is a distinction within some fields of language analysis. Figurative (Non-literal) language refers to words, and groups of words, that exaggerate or alter the usual meanings of the component words. Literal language refers to words that do not deviate from their defined meaning. Figurative use of language is the use of words or phrases in a manner where the literal meaning of the words is not true or does not make sense, but "implies a non-literal meaning which does make sense or that could be true". A literal usage is the "normal" meanings of the words. It maintains a consistent meaning regardless of the context, with "the intended meaning corresponding exactly to the meaning" of the individual words. It is important for one who speaks figuratively to take in consideration the audience might not be able to fully follow or understand them completely. Although figurative language can be entertaining, it can be interpreted in a way other that what was intended. Therefore, it will need some explanation. Keywords: Figurative use of language is the use of words or phrases in a manner where the literal meaning of the words is not true or does not make sense, A literal usage is the "normal" meanings of the words. Figurative Language versus Literal Language An idiom is...
Words: 1098 - Pages: 5
...Figurative Language vs. Literal Language 28 November 2012 Abstract Literal language is fully factual. Figurative language is full of statements that elicit comparisons, imagination, and one’s ability to identify with the rendering statement context and connotation. Figurative and literal languages are vital components to the communication process; however, figurative language can evoke emotion and imagery into communications that literal language just cannot provide. By doing so, figurative language makes expressing meaning easier and more relatable to the reader. An important fact to remember is figurative language requires context in order to discern, adequately, the meaning the speaker or writer intends to convey. Failure to acquire an understanding of the context or connotation can lead to a complete misinterpretation of the intended communication. Failing to communicate, succinctly, an intended message to a receiver will preclude that individual from formulating any sustainable hypothesis based on information received. This inhibits the receiver from engaging in productive thinking on a figurative language message received out of context. To understand the comparison between figurative language and literal language it is important to first define the two terms. The term literal language signifies the language complies with its accepted, dictionary definition. Figurative language indicates the language diverges from its generally accepted meaning...
Words: 1081 - Pages: 5
...Figurative Language versus Literal Language Professor Veronica S Critical Thinking – PHI 210 January 22, 2013 Figurative Language versus Literal Language Figurative language is writing or speaking where ‘figures of speech’ such as metaphors and similes freely occur (Oxford Reference, 2003) where as literal language is opposed to figurative it suggests the influence of the letter as a measure of strictness and rightness: the literal truth is seen as being true in a basic and absolute way. If something is done literally, a person follows instructions ‘to the letter’, without flexibility or imagination (Oxford Reference, 2003). In this paper several figurative language expressions will be defined and discussed by providing examples for each term, appropriate circumstances for using the expressions and when it might lead to misunderstanding. An idiom is an expression established in the usage of a language that is peculiar to itself either in grammatical construction (as no, it wasn’t me) or in having a meaning that cannot be derived as a whole from the conjoined meanings of its elements (as Monday week for “the Monday a week after next Monday”; many a for “many taken distributively”; had better for “might better”; how are you? for “what is the state of your health or feelings?”) (Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, 2002) Also an idiom doesn’t mean what its individual words mean. In Italian, “In the mouth of the wolf” is an idiom, it means “Good luck”, and “kick the bucket”...
Words: 1396 - Pages: 6
...Figurative Language versus Literal Language Figurative Language versus Literal Language Figurative language, which is also referred to as a “figure of speech”, is language that utilizes a description to provide an expression of a person’s emotion. Figurative language contains words that are descriptive whereas literal words are expressed so that someone ones exactly what is meant. Below I will describe a few figurative words followed by an example. Idiom An idiom is a word or phrase that is not taken literally, like “bought the farm” has nothing to do with purchasing real estate, but refers to dying (examples.yourdictionary.com). Another example would be “high as a kite” which would mean you are drunk or on drugs. Someone who isn’t familiar with this phrase could interpret it to mean someone or something is up in the air. Analogy Analogy is defined as either a metaphor (different) or a simile (same). It’s the similarity or comparability of two things. An example of an analogy is “She is as quiet as a church mouse” the reference to the mouse being unheard is the similarity to her being quite. Metaphor Metaphors are an analogy where two unlike things are compared but have something in common. It sounds like you are stating a fact, but you have to think about it for it to make sense. An example of a metaphor would be you are the wind beneath my wings” you are not saying that a person can actually be wind. Instead, you are referring to the support you get from that...
Words: 770 - Pages: 4
...Figurative Language versus Literal Language Shirl Lofton Professor Robert Bass Critical Thinking PHI 210 Date: October 21, 2011 It was the summer of 1971; I was in Lynch Kentucky spending the summer with my grandparents. My grandparent’s house is surrounded by mountains and had a ditch on the side of the house with running water and an apple tree in the front yard. Grandma and I were sitting on the pouch drinking homemade lemonade, as it was very hot outside. The water current in the ditch was hitting against the rocks, and then I heard a voice, it was the next-door neighbor Mrs. Saunders; she sold homemade ice cream for twenty-five cents. Mrs. Saunders yelled “Mrs. Brown it is hot as a firecracker” and grandma said, “Yes it is but I can smell the rain”. The both chuckle and I said, “Grandma it is not the 4th of July and it is not raining. My grandma burst out in a loud laughter and said “child you just wait and see, I tell you I smell the rain”. Who know I was learning figurative language at the age of seven. Figurative language usage began as early as the 15th century. Our language represents thoughts and ideas. These thoughts and ideas can be communicated in spoken, written and signed forms. We have Literal language, which means exactly what it says. We have Figurative language, which refers to words that go beyond the usual meaning of literal words, and exaggerates and alters words to provide extra layers of meaning. With the use of figurative language...
Words: 1001 - Pages: 5
...FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE VS. LITERAL LANGUAGE Randy Powell Doctor Dan Davis Strayer University Internet Campus Philosophy 210: Critical Thinking Strayer University February 3, 2013 It is often believed that the English language is one of the most difficult languages to learn. The phonetic system employed by the English language leaves open a vast majority of issues for any individual attempting to master the language. For instance, the English language is the only language which uses multiple spellings for similar-sounding words. Take for example “threw” and “through;” “led” and “lead;” or “accept” and “except.” “The fact is, although it’s possible to make rough guesses at English spellings using phonetics, in order to really know English spelling, you have to memorize the spelling of every word” (Alexander, 2009). Additionally, the English language features words which are spelled the same, but possess different definitions and uses. For example, “wound” and “wound.” Unless these words are seen in the form of a sentence or heard the terms in which they are referenced, recognizing the difference is impossible; sometimes even for one brought up speaking the English language. Not only do individual words offer different meanings, the method, or “tone” in which one speaks also offer a level of confusion. While there are different methods in which to ‘stress’ key words within a sentence or ‘emphasize’ the importance of what is being said, two common types of language, which...
Words: 1944 - Pages: 8
...Title: Figurative Language versus Literal Language Student: Jessica Figuereo Instructor: Dr. Chad Redwing Class: PHI 210 Date: 7/15/2013 We use all different types of languages to communicate effectively. Some use sign language, some speak, some write. There is a difference between literal language which means, "in accordance with, involving, or being the primary or strict meaning of the word or words" (Dictionary.com, 2013), and figurative language which means, "speech or writing that departs from literal meaning in order to achieve a special effect or meaning, speech or writing employing figures of speech" (Dictionary.com 21st Century Lexicon, 2013). In this paper we will discuss the different types of figurative languages, their meanings, their function and examples of each. An idiom "is a group of words whose meaning is different from the ordinary meaning of the words, an example would be Put a lid on it" (Oraclethinkquest, unk). This translation does not mean to literally put a lid on Tupperware, or on a bottle again it is a figurative language which means you want someone to be quiet. Maybe you are in church and the person next won’t stop trying to have a sidebar conversation with you while a sermon is being given. You can always say shhh, or can say something with more emphasis such as put a lid on it so that person gets the idea. However, you must know your audience when speaking to children using an idiom you might have to explain the meaning to them....
Words: 1180 - Pages: 5
...Assignment 2: Figurative Language versus Literal Language The lack of exposure to non literal forms of language makes it difficult to engage in productive thinking. Having the capacity to understand figurative language increases our ability to communicate with each other. By increasing our word bank we expand our knowledge base and increase our thinking capacity. Below are a list of ten words with their meaning, definitions, examples and appropriate circumstances in which to use them. 1. Describe the meaning and function of each term. 1. Idiom is a language, dialect or speaking style peculiar to a people. 2. Analogy is a similarity between two like subjects on which a comparison can be based. 3. Metaphor is a figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to which is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance. 4. Simile is a figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicably compared. 5. Cliché is a sentence or phrase usually expressing a popular or common thought or idea which has lost its originality, ingenuity, and impact by long overuse. 6. Amphiboly is ambiguity of speech, especially from uncertainty of the grammatical construction rather than the meaning of the word. 7. "Flame word" is a word used or tone used to insult someone. 8. Hyperbole is a figure of speech not intended to be taken literally. 9. Euphemism is the substitution of a mild, indirect or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh or blunt....
Words: 1193 - Pages: 5
