The allegation that figurative language derives from a basic literal language has been a matter of discussion for some time. This underlying assumption therefore separates language into two distinct categories; one that is primary, and the other secondary. For nearly 25 centuries, since the commentary of Aristotle, the assumption of the literal-figurative language contradiction has gone virtually unchallenged, although certain philosophers such as Vico have indeed insinuated that all language is metaphorical.As noted above, Aristotle’s significant statements about metaphor held influence, with certain precursory and insinuative statements that were conflicting, until the 20th century. The principle of the literal-figurative debate revolves around whether or not metaphor is a deviation from some pristine ordinary language or whether it is a basic form of linguistic expression. The essential question relates to whether or not metaphor is derivative or basic.
When we engage in ordinary words in their ordinary dictionary senses, to describe events or situations that are publicly observable, we are speaking literally.According to Mac Cormac, who is a passionate literalist who believes that there is a distinction between these two forms of language, he conceded that as a literal language apologist, he (Mac Cormac, 1985: p78) must admit that his clarification of literal language presumed an elementary metaphor, namely, that the world consists of natural categories. In his 1936 discussion of metaphor, Richards was among the first to break with tradition and state that metaphor is essentially omnipresent in language. By making this bold statement, he revolutionized prevailing wisdom about metaphor. It is no longer deviation from standard or literal language; it is, in fact, the essence of language.Richards noted that the boundary between literal and figurative language was not fixed or constant.
(Richards, I A, 1936) To begin with, we will define several terms regarding Figurative and Literal language to familiarize you in further detail, as to what these terms mean, with a logical example provided for each.Idiom- Is a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words (Angel fire, 2013); an example of this may be someone saying that it’s raining cats and dogs; obviously it would not be raining cats and dogs, but this expression of words, just emphasizes the true meaning to someone, to know that it is raining very heavily.Analogy- Understanding the meaning of an analogy is crucial to the success of the analogy in communication. Some analogies will be understood by most people that speak the same language. Within small social groups of people, there are often shared analogies that bind the group together. Other analogies are only understood by people living in a certain region or country.
(E. K., 2010) Analogy examples with corresponding meanings are the best way to show the meaning of the word “analogy.”The following is a list of some common analogies and an explanation of their meaning. The relationship between them began to thaw.
This means that the relationship was changing. You are as annoying as nails on a chalkboard. You must be pretty annoying for someone to say that. He is like a rock.
This means he is steadfast and strong. I feel like a fish out of water. This implies that you are not comfortable in your surroundings. There are plenty of fish in the sea. Unless you really are a fish, this encourages you to move on and find another potential mate.
Life is like a box of chocolates. This has many meanings and is a great analogy for lifeSimiles and MetaphorsSome analogies are similes and some are metaphors. A simile is where two things are compared while a metaphor is where unlike things have something in common.SimilesA simile compares two things using the words “as” or “like.
” An example of a simile would be “you are as stubborn as a mule” which means to convey the fact that you are being very stubborn. Another example would be “He is as blind as a bat” meaning he doesn’t see very well.MetaphorsMetaphors are an analogy where two unlike things are compared but have something in common. It sounds like you are stating a fact, but you have to think about it for it to make sense. For example, if you say, “you are the wind beneath my wings” you are not saying that a person can actually be wind.
Instead, you are referring to the support you get from that person. Metaphors can be humorous while still getting the point across. Others use strange comparisons but are still effective. Examples include: ? Don't be such an airhead? Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it ? I’ll die of embarrassment ? He is a diamond in the rough ? Bursting with flavor A cliché is a stereotyped expression; a sentence or phrase, usually expressing a popular or common thought or idea, that has lost originality, ingenuity, and impact by long overuse, as sadder but wiser, or strong as an ox. (Jackendoff, 2002) Amphiboly means, ambiguity of speech, especially from uncertainty of the grammatical construction rather than of the meaning of the words, as in The Duke yet lives that Henry shall depose; a fallacy that relies on an ambiguous word or grammatical structure to confuse or mislead an audience.More broadly, amphiboly may refer to a fallacy that results from a faulty sentence structure of any kind.
(Calvin and Bickerton, 2000) A hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration used to make a point. It is like the opposite of an “understatement.” It is from a Greek word meaning “excess.” Hyperboles can be found in literature and oral communication; they would not be used in nonfiction works, like medical journals or research papers; but, they are perfect for fictional works, especially to add color to a character or humor to the story. Hyperboles are comparable to similes and metaphors, but are extravagant and most of the time is even ridiculous.
Here are some common examples of hyperboles: (N.D., 2013) • I am so hungry I could eat a horse.• I have a million things to do. • I had to walk 15 miles to school in the snow, uphill.
A euphemism is a polite expression used in place of words or phrases that otherwise might be considered harsh or unpleasant to hear. Euphemisms are used regularly, and there are many examples in everyday language. Some examples of euphemisms are listed below:• Passed away instead of died • Correctional facility instead of jail • Letting someone go instead of firing someone • Put to sleep instead of euthanize Colloquialism is an informal expression that is more often used in casual conversation than in formal speech or writing. Over the last generation or so, writing has become more informal than ever before. The area of highly formal writing has shrunk considerably; it is now confined to state papers, articles in learned publications, commencement addresses, legal documents, court decisions, and prefaces to dictionaries.
Other writing has become quite hospitable to so-called colloquialisms; it has become more informal, more relaxed, more familiar, and more casual." (Bernstein, 1995) Last, we will talk about “flame word”; a word that means to insult someone electronically, or otherwise, and also to insult a person you are arguing with over the internet in hopes of reviving your argument. A flame is a form of a rant usually directed at one specific individual but can be directed at a group as well. The flamer may be quite articulate and intelligent as they question the upbringing of the flamee.
Some examples could be calling someone stupid, or incompetent.
