Literal vs. Figurative Language

Literal and Figurative Language There are two ways to understand our spoken communication: 1. Literal Language 2. Figurative Language http://safeshare.tv/w/SEGWhahgOi

Literal Language To write or say something that means its actual definition It states exactly what it means It stays the same all the time Literal Language Example Figurative Language Example I spent $30 on video games today. I spent a ton of money on video games today. I’m really hungry. I could eat a cow!

Figurative Language Words or phrases that mean something different than what it actually says Figurative is an antonym (means the opposite) of literal It is language that your brain has to FIGURE out

Figurative Language There is room for interpretation It does NOT mean exactly what it sounds like A person has to make a 'smart' guess based on what is happening in the environment or with the person when the language is being used

Clips: Where do we see figurative language? Figurative language in songs: http://safeshare.tv/w/AJFtjzHBLY Figurative language in movies/TV shows: http://safeshare.tv/w/DPpSOLLizp Idioms in Shows: http://safeshare.tv/w/soDuHdUUBQ (0.20-1.00) Literal and Figurative: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITnX68RXccY cartoon- literal

Complete worksheet Review Idioms on the worksheet

Example: A Piece of Cake Literal Language Example: A Piece of Cake

Figurative Language Walter and Dennis are high school students. They're talking about a recent math test they took. Walter: "What did you think about that math exam Dennis?” Dennis: "I think that it was pretty easy.” Walter: "Ya, it only took me 15 minutes to finish.” Dennis: "Me too. I was finished in no time.” Walter: "The exam sure could have been a lot more difficult.” Dennis: "True, but I'm glad that it was a piece of cake!"

Example: A Piece of Cake A simple task that is easily accomplished. Figurative Language Example: A Piece of Cake A simple task that is easily accomplished.

Literal Language

Example: Raining Cats & Dogs It is raining very hard. Figurative Language Example: Raining Cats & Dogs It is raining very hard.

Example: Ants in Your Pants Literal Language Example: Ants in Your Pants

Figurative Language Nancy's 8 year-old son has ants in his pants because he is going to his first football game tomorrow. He’s so excited. Robert had ants in his pants because he had a presentation to give in his business class.

Example: Ants in your Pants Figurative Language Example: Ants in your Pants Not being able to sit still because you are very excited or worried about something

Example: An Arm and A Leg Literal Language Example: An Arm and A Leg

Ex: These Patriots tickets cost us an arm and a leg! Figurative Language Ex: These Patriots tickets cost us an arm and a leg!

Figurative Language Example: An Arm & A Leg To be very expensive.

Figurative Language in… Commercials: Happy than a camel on Wednesday: http://safeshare.tv/w/LuyjiHRQil Happier than a slinky on an escalator: http://safeshare.tv/w/IcmbjSyQQW Using similes: Happy as _____________ - Comparing Geico being a good deal, to something else that makes people happy

Figurative Language in Songs Happy by Pharrell http://safeshare.tv/w/iIOxwVhvPt Eye of the Tiger by Katy Perry http://safeshare.tv/w/YyZJUUtonQ * Songs- circle phrases that could be non- literal language

Project 1. Identify one idiom Give a literal and figurative representation Determine the meaning of each idiom 2. Pick a song Identify 3-5 idioms Optional: Suggest a clip/show that uses an idiom

Show me what Idioms you know Complete worksheet independently