Denotative v. Connotative Language

Look at your song’s lyrics Highlight words OR phrases that you really like Do you think these words or phrases are DENOTATIVE language or CONNOTATIVE language? IF you think they are DENOTATIVE – write the meanings of the words / phrases next to the word/phrase. IF you think they are CONNOTATIVE – write the meanings you think these words/phrases mean. Let’s look at an example …

There's a fire starting in my heart Reaching a fever pitch, it's bringing me out the dark Finally I can see you crystal clear Go 'head and sell me out and I'll lay your ship bare See how I leave with every piece of you Don't underestimate the things that I will do There's a fire starting in my heart Reaching a fever pitch And it's bringing me out the dark Adele’s Rolling in the Deep Denotative OR Connotative meanings?? IF connotative, what does it mean?

To sum up … THEREFORE … what do you think DENOTATIVE means? Dictionary meaning, literal meaning, no opinion, tells what something is

To sum up … THEREFORE … what do you think CONNOTATIVE means? Associations CONNECTED to a word, emotional connection

Question … Can a word have BOTH a denotative meaning AND a connotative meaning? Absolutely!! Think about … OH! There’s a snake! OH! He’s such a snake! OH! That’s so cool! OH! That’s so cool!!

Back to your song lyrics … Look at what you wrote about the words and phrases in your song lyrics. Were you correct in your analysis? Share a few phrases from your song lyrics with a partner. See if your partner agrees with you in your analysis of the phrase. Now … let’s share a few with the class!