Chapter 12 - Using a Language
inclusive language
language that does not a stereotype, demean or patronize people on the basis of gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or other factors
concrete words
words that refer to tangible objects key to effective imagery, impressions of sights, touch, smell, and taste
A note on inclusive language
avoid the generic he avoid the use of man when talking to men and women avoid stereotyping jobs and social roles by gender use names that groups use to identify themselves
antithesis
the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, usually in parallel structure.
denotative meaning
the literal or dictionary meaning of a word or phrase, precise literal and objective
connotative meaning
the meaning suggested by the associations or emotions triggered by a word or phrase variable, figurative, subjective
rhythm
the pattern of sound in a speech created by the choice and arrangement of words using rhythm to enhance meaning
thesaurus
a book of synonyms
parallelism
the similar arrangement of a pair or series of related words, phrases, or sentences
generic "he" AVOID
the use of he to refer to both men and women
imagery
the use of vivid language to create mental images of objects, actions, or ideas
Using Language Vividly
Imagery- Concrete words, simile, metaphor Rhythm- parallelism, repetition, alliteration, antithesis
abstract words
words that refer to ideas or concepts
Using Language Clearly
Use familiar words plain talk, short, homely words choose concrete words concrete over abstract usually concrete are more specific eliminate clutter
clutter
a discourse that takes many more words than are necessary to express an idea to get rid of: revise, practice speeches with a digital recorder, practice delivery
cliche
a trite or overused expression avoid
Simile
an explicit comparison, introduced with the word like or as, between two things that are essentially different yet have something in common
metaphor
an implicit comparison, not introduced with the word like or as, between two things that are essentially different yet have something in common, extended metaphors
Using Language Appropriately
appropriateness to the occasion appropriateness to the audience appropriateness to the topic
repetition
reiteration of the same word or set of words at the beginning or end of successive clauses or sentences builds strong cadence,
alliteration
repetition of the initial consonant sound of close or adjoining words makes things easier to remembers, use sparingly
