Language Types We’re going to look at two types of language: figurative language and literal language Joyet 2004

Figurative vs. Literal To understand figurative language one has to understand the difference between figurative and literal Joyet 2004

More on Literal To be literal is to mean what you say. For example: If I tell you to sit down, I mean it literally: “sit down,” as in: “sit in your seat now, please.” My meaning is exactly what I say. Joyet 2004

and more on Literal Here’s another example. I’m tired and going home. This means “I’m tired and I’m going home” there is no other meaning other than what is said. I mean exactly what I say. Joyet 2004

2nd Figurative To be figurative is to not mean what you say but imply something else. For example: If, I tell you: “let’s go chill!” I’m not suggesting we get into the freezer. Joyet 2004

Figurative continued “let’s go chill” … …means let’s relax together and do something fun. It has nothing to do with temperature. Joyet 2004

Literal as exactly what you mean. Figurative vs. Literal Confused? Think of it this way: Literal as exactly what you mean. Figurative as meaning something else. Joyet 2004

Why Figurative Language? Also known as descriptive language, or poetic language, figurative language helps the writer paint a picture in the reader’s mind. Joyet 2004

Again: Figurative Language Figurative Language does not always mean what is being said or read, but serves to make it more interesting. Joyet 2004

Six Techniques of Figurative Language There are six techniques that we’re going to look at, and yes, you’ll need to learn all six. Joyet 2004

Six Techniques of Figurative Language You will need to: understand them identify them use them in your writing Joyet 2004

Types of Figurative Language Simile Metaphor Alliteration Personification Hyperbole Onomatopoeia S.M.A.P.H.O.

Simile A figure of speech that compares two unlike things, using the words like or as. Example: The muscles on his brawny arms are as strong as iron bands.

Simile More examples of similes: She is like a rainy day. He is as busy as a bee. They are like two peas in a pod. The metal twisted like a ribbon. Joyet 2004

A comparison must be made. Important! Using “like” or “as” doesn’t make a simile. A comparison must be made. Not a Simile: I like pizza. Simile: The moon is like a pizza.

Metaphor A figure of speech that compares two unlike things without using like or as. You simply state one thing is another thing. Example: The road was a ribbon wrapped through the dessert.

Metaphor More examples of metaphors: She is a graceful swan. He is a golden god. They are honey from the honeycomb. Joyet 2004

Brian was a wall, bouncing every tennis ball back over the net. This metaphor compares Brian to a wall because __________. a. He was very strong. b. He was very tall. c. He kept returning the balls. d. His body was made of cells. Joyet 2004

We would have had more pizza to eat if Tammy hadn’t been such a hog. Tammy was being compared to a hog because she __________. a. looked like a hog b. ate like a hog c. smelled like a hog d. was as smart as a hog Joyet 2004

Cindy was such a mule. We couldn’t get her to change her mind. The metaphor compares Cindy to a mule because she was __________. a. always eating oats b. able to do hard work c. raised on a farm d. very stubborn Joyet 2004

The cat was compared to a bolt of lightning because he was _______. The poor rat didn’t have a chance. Our old cat, a bolt of lightning, caught his prey. The cat was compared to a bolt of lightning because he was _______. a. very fast b. very bright c. not fond of fleas d. very old Joyet 2004

Even a child could carry my dog, Dogface, around for hours. He’s such a feather. This metaphor implies that Dogface: a. is not cute b. looks like a bird c. is not heavy d. can fly Joyet 2004

Alliteration Repeated consonant sounds occurring at the beginning of words or within words. Example: She was wide-eyed and wondering while she waited for Walter to waken.

Alliteration More examples of alliteration:    Sally Sells Seashells By The Sea Shore    Rolling, Racing, Roaring, Rapids             Joyet 2004

Alliteration Tongue twisters are generally alliterations. For example:  Busy batters bat baseballs by bases. "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers."

Personification A figure of speech which gives the qualities of a human to non-human things (an animal, an object, or an idea). Example: “The wind yells while blowing." The wind cannot yell. Only a living thing can yell.

Personification More examples of personification: The heat ripped the breath from her lungs. The leaves danced in the wind Joyet 2004

Personification Hunger sat shivering on the road. The streets are calling me. Flowers danced about the lawn. The water on the lake shivered. Joyet 2004

Personification The sleeping water reflected the evening sky. Humidity breathed in the girl's face and ran its greasy fingers through her hair. The tree arrested the oncoming car. Joyet 2004

Hyperbole An exaggerated statement used to impress or stress something. It is not used to mislead the reader, but to emphasize a point. Example: She’s said so on several million occasions.

Hyperbole Take for example: “He never speaks to her.” Never? That is a very long time. Hyperbole means to exaggerate. Joyet 2004

Hyperbole Hyperbole example: We have a ton of work. A ton is a lot of work. A ton is also two thousand pounds. Joyet 2004

Hyperbole Hyperbole example: I ate two thousand pounds of pasta. Two thousand pounds is also known as a ton, this person must be really obese. Joyet 2004

Hyperbole Hyperbole example: I told you a million times. I don’t mind repeating myself, but a million times? That’s a lot. Joyet 2004

Onomatopoeia The use of words that mimic sounds. Example: The firecracker made a loud ka-boom!

Onomatopoeia The formation or use of words such as buzz, murmur or boo that imitate the sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to. Joyet 2004

Onomatopoeia Examples of the onomatopoeia: Bang, went the gun! Swoosh went the basketball through the hoop. Joyet 2004

Onomatopoeia in practice Onomatopoeia is the use of words whose sounds make you think of their meanings.  For example; buzz, thump, pop. Many comic strips use onomatopoeia.  Joyet 2004

Onomatopoeia Joyet 2004

Literal vs. Figurative We’ve looked at Remember: Real vs. Imaginary Joyet 2004

Figurative Language Resources Eye on Idioms (Online PPT) Paint by Idioms (Game) Alliteration or Simile? (Quiz) Similes and Metaphors (PPT) The Search for Similes, Metaphors, and Idioms (PPT) Alliteration (PPT) Onomatopoeia (PPT) Personification (PPT) Hyperbole  (PPT) Idioms (PPT) Simile (PPT)

Teaching Similes and Metaphors Alliteration Lesson Plan and Resources http://volweb.utk.edu/Schools/bedford/harrisms/1allitera.htm Hyperbole- Lesson Plans and Resources http://volweb.utk.edu/Schools/bedford/harrisms/10lesson.htm Idiom Lesson Plan http://volweb.utk.edu/Schools/bedford/harrisms/6lesson.htm Imagery- Lesson Plans and Resources http://volweb.utk.edu/Schools/bedford/harrisms/imagery2.htm Lesson Plan for Puns http://volweb.utk.edu/Schools/bedford/harrisms/5lesson.htm Onomatopoeia- Lesson Plans and Resources http://volweb.utk.edu/Schools/bedford/harrisms/9lesson.htm Personification Lesson Plans and Resources http://volweb.utk.edu/Schools/bedford/harrisms/7lesson.htm Proverbs- Lesson Plans and Resources http://volweb.utk.edu/Schools/bedford/harrisms/proverbs2.htm