1. Figurative Language
ELA

2. We’re going to look at two types of language:
Language Types
We’re going to look at two types of language:
figurative language
and literal language

3. Figurative vs. Literal
To understand Figurative Language, one has to understand the difference between figurative and literal.

4. Literal Language
To be literal is to mean what you say. For example: If I tell you to sit down! I mean it literally: sit down, as in “sit in your seat now, please”
I mean exactly what I said.

5. More Literal Language Here’s another example:
“I’m tired and I’m going home.”
This means I am tired and I’m going home. There is no other meaning.
I mean exactly what I said.

6. Figurative Language
To be figurative is to not mean what you say but imply something else.
Example: If I tell you “Just chill out!”
I’m not suggesting we go into a freezer.

7. Figurative Language cont.
“Just chill out!”
….means let’s relax, don’t get angry
It has nothing to do with the temperature.

8. Figurative vs. Literal Confused? Let’s think of it this way…
Literal is real
Figurative is imaginary or pretend

9. Why Figurative Language?
Also known as descriptive language, or poetic language, figurative language helps the writer paint a picture in the reader’s mind.

10. Why Figurative Language?
You know descriptive, that’s when you describe something.

11. Why Figurative Language?
Poetic language, that’s what poets do.
Figurative language helps paint a picture in the reader’s mind.

12. Again: Figurative Language
Figurative Language does not always mean what is being said or read, but serves to make it more interesting.

13. Ten Techniques of Figurative Language
There are ten techniques that we’re going to look at, and yes, you’ll need to learn all ten.

14. Idiom
A language particular to culture, region or generation that is used humorously to express a point.

15. Idiom
Idioms are known as regional speech, dialect, slang, jargon, or legal idiom.

16. Idiom Examples of idioms: Excuse my French. Chewing the fat.
Drink like a fish.
Foaming at the mouth.
Look what the cat dragged in.

17. Simile A simile is a figurative language
technique where a comparison of two unlike things using like or as.
Examples of similes:
She is like a rainy day.
He is as busy as a bee.
They are like two peas in a pod.
Video - Simile

18. Hyperbole Is when one exaggerates.
We use hyperbole all the time when we want to impress or stress.

19. Hyperbole Hyperbole example: We have a ton of work.
A ton is a lot of work. A ton is also a thousand pounds.

20. Allusion:
A reference to something or someone well-known or famous.
For example, if you were trying to instill confidence in a friend and said, “Use the force,” that would be an allusion to Stars Wars.
Allusion video

21. Metaphor
A figure of speech in which a word or phrase that ordinarily designates one thing is used to designate another, thus making an implicit comparison.

22. Metaphor A poetic comparison that does not use the words like or as.
Examples of metaphors:
She is a graceful swan.
He is a golden god.
They are honey from the honeycomb.
Video - Metaphors

23. Personification
An idea, object or animal is given the characteristics of a human.

24. Personification Examples:
The sleeping water reflected the evening sky.
Humidity breathed in the girl's face and ran its greasy fingers through her hair.
The tree arrested the oncoming car.
Video - Personification

25. Oxymoron
When two contradictory words come together for a special effect.

26. Oxymoron Examples: Act naturally Clearly misunderstood
Deafening silence
Seriously funny

27. Plain language – something that takes on a different meaning
Symbol
A picture or object that represents an idea APART from it’s meaning…
Plain language – something that takes on a different meaning

28. Represents North Carolina
Symbols
Breast Cancer Awareness
Represents PEACE
Represents North Carolina

29. NOT Symbols!
Only Money…
Peace…
Represents a SMILE!?!?!?!

30. Irony
Using a word or phrase to mean the exact opposite of its normal meaning.

31. Hyperbole Hyperbole example: I told you a million times.
I don’t mind repeating myself, but a million times? That’s a lot.

32. We’ve looked at
Literal vs. Figurative
Remember:
Real vs. Imaginary