Figurative Language Versus Literal Language

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Figurative Language versus Literal Language Leonardo Garcia Strayer University PHI 210 Professor Simoni-Wastila 26 October 2012 Figurative Versus Literal The ability to get your point across is essential in communication. You can do this by using literal or figurative language. When one uses literal language they are speaking about things as they are. In figurative language you are using something else to describe what you are speaking or writing about. Often times using figurative language can help your audience understand with more clarity. In the article Cultivating Writers the author states “Creating original figurative language kindles the analogical imagination” (Nelson, 2012). This enables the audience to recreate what you are describing. There are several types of figurative languages that can be used. An idiom is a form of figurative speech that is known by a particular group. We here in the United States have several idioms. We use them so often that they have become a common place in our language. One example is how we describe someone who has performed something in excess or has been excessive in behavior. We would say you have gone over the top. Another example is if someone is caught in a difficult situation we say you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. There are hundreds of idioms that can be used, however you can get an idea by the two examples that I have used as to how someone could use this to describe a situation. An analogy is another form of figurative language that uses creativity to describe something. It is like explain to someone that food fuels the body as like gas fuels a car. Another would be like describing a heart like a pump. Analogies if used correctly can be a useful way to get the audience to understand a particular topic or subject that they are unfamiliar with. I have always had problem writing papers; it

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