Figurative Language Versus Literal Language

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Assignment 2: Figurative Language versus Literal Language Gyongyi Molnar Professor Sonja Sheffield Strayer University- PHI 210 January 27, 2013 Literal language is straightforward where the words don’t go beyond their meanings. It’s easy to use and understand. However, if we always used literal language, our writings and conversations would be colorless and boring. Figurative language brings words alive and brightens them with emotions, style, and even humor. Often their meaning is clear, but other times they can be confusing. I speak from experience when I say that it’s especially true for newcomers to this country. It’s important to know when to use literal, and when to use figurative language. The latter has several types, and in most cases trying to take them literally is the main source of misunderstandings as well as not knowing how to use them properly. Idioms are a group of words where meaning is different from the literal meaning of the word. Examples may include “Put a lid on it”, which we use when we want someone to be quiet and pay attention. They usually give a more brief but vivid meaning than the literal version would do. Changes in the grammatical structure may lead to wrong usage and therefore misunderstandings. This would be the case if we say “I’m broken” instead of “I’m broke”. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, analogy is a “likeness in one or more ways between things otherwise unlike.” It is made up of two word pairs, as in “Day is to month as minute is to hour”. Misunderstandings can arise when the two pairs don’t complete each other in a correct manner. Analogy is also used to explain one’s opinion or position regarding an issue. “Writing a book of poetry is like dropping a rose petal down the Grand Canyon and waiting for the echo.”-Don Marquis (examples.yourdictionary.com) A metaphor is a form of comparison that

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