Identifying language techniques
Composers use various language techniques or features to make their
texts more interesting and engaging to the responder.
Some language techniques used by Stephen Herrick in The Simple Gift
are:
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simile: comparing one thing with another using the words ‘like’ or
‘as’
metaphor: a comparison where one thing is said to be another
colloquial language: everyday speech characterised by informal
language and shortened words (g’day, can’t)
direct speech: quotation marks (“) are used to indicate direct
speech, that is, the exact words that are spoken
slang: words which are fashionable within a small group for a
short period of time
literary allusion: makingreference to other well known books,
films, etc
first person: using the pronouns I, me, my, us, we
comparatives and superlatives: adjectives for comparing, e.g.:
Adjective
long
small
bright
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Superlative
longest
smallest
brightest
ellipsis: three dots to provide a pause, to show that something has
been left out
modality: gives information about the degree of certainty involved
in an action, e.g.:
Low modality
possibly
could
never
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Comparative
longer
smaller
brighter
Medium modality
probably
should
sometimes
High modality
definitely
must
always
juxtaposition: the close positioning of words or images to create
an effect
imagery: to create a set of strong mental images in the responder’s
mind
repetition: a word or phrase used many times to add emphasis
rhetorical question: a question that is asked but which does not
expect or need an answer.
Activity: Language techniques
Find examples of these language techniques in The Simple Gift. Give
page numbers. Explain the effect of this technique on the responder.
Language technique
Simile
Metaphor
Colloquial language
Direct speech
Slang
Literary allusion
First person
Comparatives/
superlatives
Ellipsis
Modality
Juxtaposition
Imagery
Repetition
Rhetorical question
Example from the text (quote)
Page
Effect of this
technique