Expressiveness
What is expressiveness?
The ability of language to make communication more vivid, emotional, emphatic, or memorable
What are expressive means?
Linguistic elements that increase the expressive power of speech
What is a stylistic device?
A conscious and purposeful use of a linguistic element to achieve a stylistic effect
What is denotational meaning?
The basic conceptual meaning of a word
Why is context important in stylistic analysis?
Because the stylistic effect of an expression can change depending on the context.
What can expressiveness help a speaker communicate besides facts?
Feelings, attitudes, evaluations, and intentions
Name two phonetic expressive means
Intonation and stress
Name three stylistic devices
Metaphor, simile, irony
What is stylistic meaning?
Additional information communicated beyond basic conceptual meaning
What is stylistic function?
The role a linguistic element performs in creating the overall effect of a text
At which linguistic levels can expressiveness appear?
Phonetic, lexical, syntactical, and textual levels.
What are examples of lexical expressive means?
Emotionally coloured words, interjections, diminutive forms, etc.
What stylistic device is used in “I’ve told you a million times”?
Hyperbole
What is emotional meaning?
Meaning that communicates feelings such as anger, affection, admiration, or surprise
What can a stylistic element do?
Emphasize information, create imagery, express emotion, establish tone, or reveal attitude
What is the relationship between linguistic form and expressiveness?
The form of language can influence the emotional or stylistic effect on the listener or reader.
Name three syntactical expressive means
Repetition, parallel constructions, rhetorical questions, unusual word order, etc
What stylistic device is used in “The wind whispered through the trees”?
Personification
What is evaluative meaning?
Meaning that expresses approval, disapproval, praise, criticism, or another attitude
Is every unusual linguistic feature a stylistic device?
No. It must normally have a deliberate stylistic purpose
Why is expressiveness important in communication?
Because it allows speakers to communicate not only information but also emotions, attitudes, and intentions
Are expressive means used only in literary texts?
No. They are also used in everyday speech, journalism, advertising, and public speaking
When does repetition become a stylistic device?
When it is deliberately used to create a particular effect, such as emphasis, rhythm, or emotional tension
Can two words with similar denotational meanings have different stylistic meanings?
Yes. They can differ in emotional colouring, evaluation, formality, or social associations
What is the main difference between expressive means and stylistic devices?
Expressive means provide expressive possibilities, while stylistic devices deliberately use those possibilities to achieve a particular effect