figure of speech

figure of speech

The Power of Figurative Language

1. Introduction to Figurative Language

“Figurative language” is language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation. The simplest example comes from the form of “metaphor” whereby one thing is spoken of as though it were something else. Consider the sentence “my boss is a snake” as an implication that the speaker’s employer is untrustworthy. A further common use of metaphor is shown in this line: “All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players;” taken from the play “As You Like It” by William Shakespeare. This is a partial metaphor that indirectly likens the world to a stage and the people to actors.

It is very exciting to make your acquaintance and to be able to write to you about “The Power of Figurative Language”. I am confident that you will find this body of work both stimulating and enlightening. At the very least, it will provide you with a good understanding of one of the finest yet equally complex parts of the English language – figurative language.

2. The Impact of Figurative Language in Communication

Figure 2 shows the results of an offline task that required subjects to recall and describe alternative aircrew terminology for 10 items of technical jargon, using natural language i.e. literal or common English words and phrases (N) or figurative language (F). The student pilots were divided into low and high experience groups. The instructors overestimated the abilities of their students and gave little thought to the problems of interlingual communication at the introduction of technical terms. The task demonstrated that the students had a better understanding of the meaning of the technical terms, as alternative natural language and the recall of the N items indicate a good grasp of one-to-one equivocation. The use of simile, metaphor, and other figures to describe the meaning of the F items will have been an attempt to gain a fuller understanding of the term, and the results show more creative use of language by the high experience students. An analysis of communication in actual flying tasks was not possible because it was found that subjects were quite unaware of the distinction between literal and figurative language and would often confuse the two. This highlights the need for a study to assess the nature and use of figurative language in normal conversation.

It is assumed that figurative language can aid problem-solving by enabling people not to take things entirely literally. Usually, in figurative language, the words denote an object or an act that is quite different from the image the words literally convey. An example is a pilot saying “we are in the soup” or “I have painted myself into a corner”. In both cases, the words convey one image, while the denotation is quite different. Flight in cloud may be quite straightforward, the image of being in soup implies stickiness and difficulty in getting out. The visual image of painting yourself into a corner implies that one has no room to manoeuvre and might involve a futile exercise of trying to move while the paint is still wet. It would be of interest to know if there is an increase in the use of or appreciation of figurative language, and whether this correlates with increased training and experience. It might be expected that the novice is still struggling to achieve proficiency on carrying out basic tasks, and at this stage it is more likely that he will revert to natural language, and use an accurate word or phrase that literally conveys the meaning, rather than search for a figurative alternative. This can cause considerable difficulty in communication with an instructor, who may not understand the meaning of a technical term, and an instructor observing the novice in difficulty, may actually increase use of literal language so that he can correct errors there and then. A study of the use and appreciation of literal and figurative language in the communication between student pilots and their instructors might give some insight into the progression of skill acquisition.

3. Types of Figures of Speech

Simile – a comparison of two objects or ideas by using “like” or “as” to translate an attribute from one to another. The purpose is generally to make the comparison of a particular attribute clearer than when it is compared to the object directly.

Wit Enthymeme (Syllogismus Implicit) – leaving the audience to fill in what is left unsaid to make a conclusion.

Figures of Thought Adynaton – an expression of impossibility to say something is possible, along with expressions to show it is probable but not certain.

Expression of Possibility and Impossibility – an expression to say something is possible, along with expressions to show it is probable but not certain. Volta has often, but not always, accentuation of words or a change of tone in voice (an or both) coming after the expression.

Phrases Explanation and Volta – refers to an expression whose purpose is to make a point clear or to answer a matter, usually employed by asking the question “What does X mean?” or “What was the point of X?”.

Figures of speech are expressions used in a non-literal context to add fruition to both writing and speech. This categorization of words is widely appreciated due to their inherent ability to embed a broad effect range, ranging from contrasts to intensity to vividness, etc. The humongous power that these words embed has prompted an utter necessity to categorize and label them, and thus have spawned an excessively large number of term classifications. The types that have been created range from a couple to a few hundred, depending on what source and regions are utilized. For purposes of brevity, the types will be limited to the figures listed under the terminology section.

4. Benefits of Using Figures of Speech

A second reason an author may want to use a figure of speech is to make the mundane seem more vivid. Common events can be quite dull to read about, and a good metaphor can make it much more exciting. In the epic poem “The Odyssey,” Homer could have described how Odysseus’ ship was destroyed by vicious storms with a detailed depiction of the damage taking place. However, Homer instead uses a simile to effectively convey the scene: “As dry stubble is kindling a fire in a peasant’s field, and shearing the stalks with a curved iron, around his head, thus were the swords glancing on every side about the wretched men.” This simile merely takes an event that is the destruction of a boat, and compares it to an event that is similar yet much more exciting. This is a very effective way to make the storm scene much more memorable and much less dull.

The next section of the essay focuses on the positive reasons that an author may want to employ figures of speech. The first reason is that using figures of speech can help make the complex more simple. Explanation by example can be quite difficult. Frequently, an author will use a figure of speech to explain a complicated concept by comparing it to something simpler. For example, in his book “The Republic,” Plato attempts to explain why humans seek knowledge. After two pages of complex explanation, Socrates compares the human psyche to a prisoner in a cave, to which the prisoner seeks to escape. This analogy is a form of simile that uses a figure of speech, and it makes the previous explanation much clearer. Socrates is able to visualize his complex explanation, effectively simplifying it.

5. Enhancing Persuasion with Figures of Speech

From ancient times through the present, public speaking has been a powerful tool for changing people’s minds. Politicians, advertisers, and social reformers advocate their viewpoints in attempts to persuade others to accept or believe in a particular way. Whether the subject is war, poverty, global warming, or gun control, the goal of the speaker is to change the mind of the audience. This requires a formidable understanding in how persuasive arguments work, a skill accomplished through mastery of the art of rhetoric. Rhetoric involves the use of skill in writing or speaking in order to effectively persuade, and a vital component in rhetoric is the use of figures of speech. A figure of speech is a literary device that creates a comparison between two usually dissimilar things. This may involve the use of metaphor, simile, or personification, among other devices. While figures of speech are prominent in increasing the effectiveness of persuasive arguments, they are also very powerful tools in redirecting potentially harmful argumentation and diffusing hostilities. This essay will describe each level of figure of speech used and show how these figures accomplish positive effects in giving arguments.