chapter 12: Using language

vivid language

*imagery* - the use of vivid language to create mental images of objects, actions, or ideas simile - an explicit comparison, introduced with the word "like" or "as" between things that are essentially different yet have something in common cliché- a trite or overused expression metaphor- an implicit comparison, not introduced with the word "like" or "as", between two things that are essentially different yet have something in common

inclusive language

*inclusive language* - language that does not stereotype, demean, or patronize people on the basis of gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or other factors generic "he" - the use of "he" to refer to both women and men >avoid the use of "man" to refer to both men and women >avoid stereotyping jobs and social roles by gender >use the names that groups use to identify themselves

vivid language

*rhythm* the pattern of sound in a speech created by the choice and arrangement of words Parallelism- the similar arrangement of a pair or series of related words, phrases, or sentences repetition- reiteration of the same word or set of words at the beginning or end of successive clauses or sentences alliteration- repetition of the initial consonant sound of close or adjoining words antithesis - the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, usually in parallel structure

using language appropriately

appropriateness to the occasion, audience, topic, speaker

thesaurus

book of synonyms

clutter

discourse that takes many more words than are necessary to express an idea

denotative meaning

the literal or dictionary meaning of a word or phrase

connotative meaning

the meaning suggested by the associations or emotions triggered by a word or phrase

abstract words

words that refer to ideas or concepts

concrete words

words that refer to tangible objects