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