Title: Figurative Language versus Literal Language
Student: Jessica Figuereo
Instructor: Dr. Chad Redwing
Class: PHI 210
Date: 7/15/2013

We use all different types of languages to communicate effectively. Some use sign language, some speak, some write. There is a difference between literal language which means, "in accordance with, involving, or being the primary or strict meaning of the word or words" (Dictionary.com, 2013), and figurative language which means, "speech or writing that departs from literal meaning in order to achieve a special effect or meaning, speech or writing employing figures of speech" (Dictionary.com 21st Century Lexicon, 2013). In this paper we will discuss the different types of figurative languages, their meanings, their function and examples of each. An idiom "is a group of words whose meaning is different from the ordinary meaning of the words, an example would be Put a lid on it" (Oraclethinkquest, unk). This translation does not mean to literally put a lid on Tupperware, or on a bottle again it is a figurative language which means you want someone to be quiet. Maybe you are in church and the person next won’t stop trying to have a sidebar conversation with you while a sermon is being given. You can always say shhh, or can say something with more emphasis such as put a lid on it so that person gets the idea. However, you must know your audience when speaking to children using an idiom you might have to explain the meaning to them. They may not understand what you mean. You use an idiom to express your point with more emphasis to a person without being rude. An analogy “is a comparison between two things that are usually thought to be different from each other, but have some similarities” (VocabularySpellingCity, unk). Analogies are something we learn about in school during our Language Arts lesson and are a part of standardized testing such as the SAT. They are used to help determine the connection and meaning of words. For example you might see on a test herbivore:plants::_______:meat, the answer would be carnivore because carnivores eat meat and herbivores eat plants. If you know the relationship of the words whether it be synonyms, autonyms, or parts of a whole then it should be fairly easy to figure out. Our next term is a metaphor which is often confused with an analogy because it is also a comparison, but in a different way. A metaphor is “something used, or regarded as being used, to represent something; emblem; symbol” (dictionary.com, 2013). Metaphors even though a symbol give life to inanimate objects. Unlike a simile it does not use the words like or as to compare to different things. For instance love is an opponent, means that you might love your enemy. However love is not a person it is an emotion, but in this metaphor it makes it seem that the emotion love is a person the opponent. As mentioned earlier a simile “is a figure of speech comparing two unlike things using the words like, as or than; a simile is much like a metaphor in that they both are comparisons, but a simile allows the two ideas to remain distinct, while a metaphor suggest that one thing is the other” (Yourdictionary, 2013). A simile that I enjoy most is Life is like a box of chocolates you never know what flavor you are going to get. I find this statement to be very true, there is so many things that life throws at you and you have to be prepared to deal with each situation. A cliché is a “trite, 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” (dictionary.com, 2013). Do you think I’m made of money is a cliché that my mother used to use when I was little when I wanted something or wanted to do something and we didn’t have money. It’s funny because it is an expression I now use with my daughter. An amphiboly is “ambiguity of speech, especially from uncertainty of the grammatical construction rather than of the meaning of the words” (dictionary.com, 2013). An amphiboly tends to have a double meaning depending on the person who is interpreting the amphiboly. For example, Teenagers shouldn’t be allowed to drive. It’s getting too dangerous on the streets. This phrase could mean it’s too dangerous for teenagers to drive or that the teenagers make the roads dangerous. A “flame word” is something that is meant to entice someone into an argument. For example, stupid, idiot, pain, etc. are words used to incite a situation to start an argument. When I get angry I use words to lure someone into an argument or to get my point across as to how much I do not like them. I have never been a person to keep thoughts to myself about a person I have disgust for. A hyperbole is “an obvious and intentional exaggeration” (dictionary.com, 2013). It is usually used in fictional works to add emphasis to a character or situation in order to give the reader a better picture. They can elaborate clothing, hair, animals, colors, etc. these things can come to life in the imagination. Or even in regular situations, there have been times when I’ve been so hungry that I would say I’m so hungry my stomach is touching my spine to put emphasis on the fact that I need to eat right away. Euphemism “is the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt” (dictionary.com, 2013). This is more a politically correct way of saying things. Instead of saying died you say passed away, it takes the intensity off of saying died. Although the outcome is the say one word is preferred over the other. Last, but not least is colloquialism it means “a word or phrase appropriate to conversation and other informal situations” (dictionary.com, 2013). From my understanding colloquialism pertains to different dialects so to speak. English speaking people all speak English, but use different terms to get a point across. These terms are not always understood by everyone especially if you didn’t grow up learning those terms. Although literal language most people understand because what you say is exactly what you mean. There is no hidden meaning or thought process that goes along with understanding. However, I think people use figurative language to get others to use a deeper level of thinking and meaning to the words that are being said to them.

References:
Figurative language (n.d.) Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon. Retrieved July 15, 2013, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/figurative language http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/literal; Dictionary.com; 2013 http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0210124/figlandef.html http://www.spellingcity.com/analogies.html; VocabularySpelling City is a registered trademark. http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-simile-poems.html; Your Dictionary, 1996-2013 LoveToKnow, Corp