Language features and their effects

Language Definition or explanation Example General effect

feature (you must decide on the specific effect relative to the text)
Rhyme The ends of words have the same That second day they hunted me Makes the text memorable and can make poems
sound. Usually at the ends of lines From hill to plain, from shore to sea. amusing. Can link together (make connections between)
in poetry, but may be internal Then Billy who was silly words and ideas, in the middle and end of lines.
(within a line). Almost every other day…
Rhythm A regular pattern of stressed and I went to town to buy a phone. Makes the text as a whole more memorable, makes it
unstressed syllables. On the road there’s a girl with a bike. “flow” better and can link together (make connections
between) words and ideas, in the middle and end of lines.
Alliteration Repetition of the same consonant Having heard the song, he sang it Makes words and ideas from the text link together and
sound at the beginning of words – softly. flow better. Draws our attention to the repeated
usually close in succession. There came a ghost to Mary’s door consonants. Creates a harder or softer mood in line with
With many a grievous groan. the meaning (hard consonants are b d k p q t; soft are f h j
l m n r s v w y z, while c and g can be either hard or soft)
Assonance Vowel sounds are repeated at the Her early leaf’s a flower Makes words and ideas from the text link together and
beginning or middle of nearby But only so an hour. flow better. Draws our attention to the repeated vowels.
words. There were excited bursts and Repetition of vowels generally gives a soft, quiet, calm
swerves as the cattle stampeded. mood unless the sounds are the short vowels, e.g. in cat,
pet, pin, off, cup.
Sound clusters A group of sounds is repeated Season of mists and mellow These create a “wall of sound” with a number of repeated
throughout a sentence or a group of fruitfulness… sounds, not just one type. They usually create a particular
lines in a poem, not just at the I love to see the cottage smoke curl mood by using a number of hard or soft sounds, rather
beginnings of words. upwards through the trees. than a combination of the two.
Onomatopoeia Words sound like the sounds they There came a furious woofing from This helps us hear the actual sound being named and
name. the seals. therefore we understand it vividly; it transports us to the
The brrrring of the alarm woke him. place of the sound.
Repetition Repeating the same or nearly the “Come on, Come on!” she shouted. This is used to emphasize whatever is being said or
same words for effect. “We’re late!” written, or to mimic repetition in nature.
Parallel Using the same word class order Into the valley, through the marsh, Parallel construction provides rhythm while it expands the
construction twice (in same or two sentences) rode the hunting pair. detail of the description and creates balance.
Triple Repeating three times a group of …that government of the people, by Same as for parallelism, but the triplet provides closure or
construction words which have the same pattern the people, for the people shall not finality along with that sense of balance.
of word classes. Each group may perish from the face of the earth.
or may not start with the same Then leaf subsides to leaf,
word/s. So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day…
 Language Definition or explanation Example Effect
feature (you must decide on the specific effect relative to the text)
Simile An image which compares two The black smoke rose like a wizard’s All imagery gives the person/animal/thing being described
things using like or as tower spiralling into the sky. the characteristics of something else. I.e. It attaches the
The playground was as empty as a characteristics of one thing to another: colour, shape, size
ghost town. movement, “look,” texture, position etc.
Metaphor An image which compares two We emerged from the cool dark of the
things without using like or as hut into the blast furnace heat of a Metaphors are more compact and tighter in their
Central Otago summer afternoon. comparative description than similes. They reinforce how
The fireworks were sparkling much one thing is like another.
flowers exploding in the night sky.
Personification An image which gives human The night hung out a multitude of In addition to the above, personification makes inanimate
qualities to non-human things. lanterns to guide the travellers. objects seem lively and lifelike while it also contributes to
Raindrops danced on the pavement. our sense of oneness with these inanimate objects. I.e.
We understand the human movement, look,
action…because we are human.
Choice of words Using more unusual or specialized The wind moaned, a low-pitched, Sometimes, more unusual words provide more specific
(vocabulary) or technical words unutterably eerie threnody (sad meaning than common ones. Specialized or technical
song). words give a more specific meaning/understanding of the
He died of a myocardial infarction. context.
Use of slang Most likely used in direct speech. “Hey, you guys, let’s cut loose tonight Grounds the text in informality as well as a certain social
and paint the town red.” group and period of time. Relates more informally to the
reader/listener.
Use of direct or Quoting or reporting spoken words. “Come over here!” Jack yelled, then Makes the character come alive. We can “hear” the way
indirect speech proceeded to tell us all how he’d won s/he speaks – the actual vocab, grammar and tones.
the Melbourne Cup pool in his office.
Use of incorrect Generally used in direct speech but “Let’s have ourselves a few beers.” Creates an image of the character – helps to define
grammar may also be used in autobiography “I sure do hate them direct marketers personality and place him/her in a particular educational or
for particular effect. always calling at dinner time.” social class. Provides authenticity in your writing.
Pun Word play involving the use of a An advert for an omega-3 margarine Provokes amusement and therefore a tendency for the
word with two different meanings or has this statement: The way to a reader to feel good about the company / product and
two words that sound the same but man’s heart is through his stomach. possibly to buy the product. Shows a literal and
mean different things. associated meaning to the words.
Often used in advertising. * If used by a character, shows that that character is rather
clever and witty.
 Language Definition or explanation Example Effect
feature (you must decide on the specific effect relative to the text)
Hyperbole Deliberate exaggeration I’ve told you thousands of times to Used for emphasis to get a point across. Also illustrates
clean up your bedroom. the extent/magnitude of something. Can show the
mood/feeling of the speaker/writer.
Litotes Deliberate understatement “Well, I was sure was brassed off Shows just how strong the emotion is and indicates the
when he walked out on me.” atmosphere/feeling in a situation.
Use of multiple The adjectives give more The air was full of driving, needle- Builds up a very full picture of the object/animal/person or
adjectives or information about the noun and the pointed ice spicules… the activity so that it becomes very clear in the reader’s
adverbs adverbs about the verb. Slowly, stealthily, the wind was mind – the reader feels s/he can picture it or see it
lifting a swell. happening very precisely.
Simple sentences A complete sentence with a subject We saw the flames pouring out of the Used to establish one idea. Often used as topic
and verb. office. sentences, making clear what the paragraph is about or
marking a change of place/topic/etc
Compound These have a minimum of two We danced all night and climbed the Used to get across two main ideas with some supporting
sentences complete verbs and each part of the hill to see the sun rise. detail.
sentence can stand on its own. The
two parts are often joined by a
conjunction or punctuation.
Complex These have a minimum of two We left the party because the level of Used to provide explanations and other more detailed
sentences complete verbs; the part of the violence was getting way over the information about the idea expressed in the main clause.
sentence which has one of those top.
verbs, but cannot stand on its own, Although the sky was overcast, no
is called a subordinate clause. snow fell that night.
Rhetorical A question that does not expect an So what would result from such a To get the readers’ / audience’s attention and make them
question answer from the reader or audience plan? Chaos, that’s what. think about the intended answer before being given it.
Imperative A command Stop! Come here and sit down while To catch people’s attention, whether it’s another character
I talk to you. in a narrative or the audience listening to a speaker. We
are socially conditioned to obey commands so the
advertiser or speaker may get some affirmative response.
Gives the speaker authority.
Use of first and 1st person singular = I, me, my, First person: Gives immediacy to the text – the author or
second person mine, plural = We, us, our, ours “You wouldn’t dream what happened character makes a direct connection with the reader /
pronoun 2nd person singular and plural = to him. I can’t believe it myself!” audience. The emotional qualities of the text / character
You, your, yours I opened the door wide, then opened are more available also – the internal life of the author or
Mostly used in my eyes wider when I saw a small character. “We” in a speech involves the audience with
• autobiography black dog sitting on the step. the speaker (“We all know that violence is wrong”).
• 1st person narrative I was born on a grey winter’s day in Second person: In speeches and adverts, this direct
• direct speech Dunedin. My mother tells me that the address to the listeners/viewers involves them and may
• oral presentations. nurse bathed me in cold water by an challenge them to respond, even if only mentally. In
open window so that’s probably why I narrative, the use shows interaction between characters.
enjoy the cold southern winters….
 Language Definition or explanation Example Effect
feature (you must decide on the specific effect relative to the text)
Symbolism Use of an object (concrete noun) to Simple symbols are widely accepted, These are a form of shorthand to emotions – an author can
represent some emotion or belief e.g. heart / love, dove with an olive use a symbol so that the reader / audience understands the
system or other abstract noun branch / peace. Others are more emotions invested in the object without describing those
complex and individual to an author / emotions every time the object is used. Provides the reader
character, e.g. neon lights / urban with a visual (actual or mental) aide-memoire – something that
sophistication conjures up certain memories and/or emotions or qualities
when s/he sees the symbol.
Euphemism Use of a less objectionable or harsh His wife passed away (died). Can indicate a more sensitive (acceptable) form of
expression to avoid upsetting or The firm was restructuring (sacking expression.
offending people workers). Can create amusement or reveal the character of the person
She is vertically challenged (short). using it (kind-hearted or sarcastic or squeamish etc.)
Neologism New word – an invented word nylon, radar, Thermos Newness / novelty / difference from “ordinary” words makes it
stand out – make the reader/viewer remember them
Listing Objects/reasons/parts of a whole, etc. We give him access to the Shows the extent of or emphasizes the topic/object/event
are listed – in text, usually with biomechanics, conditioning, nutrition, being discussed/described; shows the author’s wide
commas separating them; in physiology and psychology he needs knowledge of the topic
adverts/web pages or text, can be to be the best.
with bullet points
Emotive Choice of words which have There was a clammy self- The attitude and emotions of the author are transferred or
language specifically intended emotional effects congratulating illiteracy of the heart made clear to the reader.
or are intended to evoke an emotional drooling from every word. The reader in reaction, feels the desired response about the
response in the reader subject.
Sarcasm Unkind humour directed against what …fluff-filled catalogues.. (as above – the emotions and attitudes are ones of disdain or
the writer / speaker doesn’t like contempt or revulsion or dislike or bitterness)
Can create humour in a text.
Irony Saying the opposite of what you ..cultural icons like McDonald’s car (as above – the intent and effect are less offensive than in
mean parks.. sarcasm, but the author may still feel strongly on the subject)
Can also create humour in a text.
Contrast Using word of opposite meaning close In a city that never sleeps, she seems Strengthens each aspect of the contrast by showing up the
together to be trying to keep us awake. differences
The sun warms on a bitterly cold day To emphasize a change or difference or idea
Use of numbers - Thousands died and hundreds of A specific number or statistic gives the impression that the
/ statistics thousands are homeless speaker/writer is authoritative, knowledgeable and the text is
founded on evidence.
Use of The words (or image) of a famous (Paris Hilton wears only Versace). The reader / viewer aspires to share the goals of (and use the
authority person or celebrity are used (Daniel Carter loves Jockeys). product promoted by) the personality
figures
Allusion A reference to another “He bore his own cross” Adds another dimension to the text by introducing material
work/event/person/historical and/or “Carrying the weight of the world on from our external knowledge (if we get the allusion)
 modern context your shoulders.” The reader attached the characteristics from the reference to
the text itself.
Quotation Direct use of another’s words (spoken Churchill famously said, “We will fight A quotation will add some of the authority of the original
or written) them on the beaches….” author to the current speaker/writer

“The Power of One,” by Bryce Courtenay, Chapter 6

Language Features and their effects.
TASKS
1) Choose 10 of the quotations from “Hoppie’s fight” in Chapter 6
2) Using the definitions of language features, name the feature (in each of your chosen examples) and outline why you think the following
language techniques were used in the text. I.e. How do these examples make the environment, atmosphere, characters, actions and
ideas more “vivid” for the reader?
• Write the answers in your book.

Quotations
“Hundreds of moths and flying insects spun and danced about the lights, tiny planets orbiting erratically around two brilliant artificial suns.” P.105 (PK)

“The dwarf is the referee.” P.106 (Hoppie)

“He knows his onions.” P/106 (Hoppie)

“lit by two hurricane lamps.” P.106 (PK)

“I had seen his stomach muscles as he had turned, they looked like a plaited rope.” P.106 (PK)

“Moses was still blubbing in the bulrushes the last time he weighed in as a light heavy.” P.106 (Hoppie)

“You do the best boxing with your mouth.” P.107 (Hoppie)

“If that Big Baboon hurts Kid Louis….” P.108 (Big Hettie)

“That will fix the big ape.” P.108 (Big Hettie)

“Jackhammer Smit continued to stand, looking big and hard as a mountain.”

“He (Jackhammer Smit) seemed to be increasing in size by the minute.” P.109 (PK)
“Hoppie, seated on his stool, looked like a small frog crouched in the corner of the ring.” P.109 (PK)

“…watched by an audience of a million stars.” P.109 (PK)

“tonight we are witnessing the great biblical drama of David and Goliath….Will David once again defeat Goliath?...Or will Goliath have his
revenge?” (referee)

“In the oppressive heat the air was as still as a dead man’s breath.” P.111 (PK)

“the blows were lightening fast.” P.111 (PK)

“Jackhammer, energy leaking out of him like an angry bull.” P.114 (PK)

“My eyes nearly stood out on stalks.” P.114 (PK)

“the referee bounding to his feet like a rubber ball.” P.115 (PK)

“the referee stood in the centre of the ring…his head shining like a beacon.” P.116 (PK)

“By which time, Hoppie was good as gold.” P.117 (PK)

“The giant wobbled for a second, then crashed unconscious to the canvas.” P.118 (PK)

“In my excitement I was jumping up and down and yelling my head off.” P.119 (PK)

“It was the greatest moment in my life.” P.119 (PK)

“You won’t eat steak till next Christmas if it isn’t three cases for my boys.” P.120 (PK)