Conventions
Conventions, language features or metalanguage are all terms for specific language patterns, which enhance the expression of a certain idea, theme or mood.
Cheat Sheet
| Language Feature | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Narrative Language | ||
| Characterisation (SAAO) | The speech, action, appearence and other attributes (e.g. relationship) of a character |
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| Setting | The location and time from which a narrative takes place |
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| Plot Structure | A very generalised design or layout of a plot |
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| Narrative point of view | The position of the narrator relevant to the story |
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| Language Features (fiction) | ||
| Descriptive language | Words that detail the description for a noun |
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| Figurative language | Non-literal language patterns / figures of speech which strenghthens desired effects of the writer. |
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| Symbolism | This is a very significant concept when analysing lexical (word) choice, or really, any other language feature. Certain idioms, phrases or words can imply connotations to wider concepts relevant to the text. Sometimes symbolism is more meaningfull with wider context (see last example). |
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| Colloquial langauge | Informal language choices used in everyday conversations, or slang terminology, to imply casual relations / atmosphere. Strongly intertwined with culture. |
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| Irony | Expressing something which implies the opposite of what truly is. |
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| Jargon | Words specialised to certain professions / groups which are not understandable by those outside the group. Jargon used in an "outside" context to that group of people may intend to show intelligence, however it typically only shows arrogance or the desire to be percieved as intelligent. |
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| Language Features (persuasive) | ||
| Inclusive language | Language choices that intend to include more people into a certain viewpoint. This is not the same as "anti-discriminatory" language, which is language for snow-flakes who think its other peoples responsibility to not offend them. However, both concepts have the same effect: creating a sense of togetherness and unity across a group of people. |
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| Formal language | The opposite of colloquial language, instead, using more serious and matter-of-fact word choice. Formal language increases percieved credibility, authority or sophistication of the narrator, which may sway people to believe their arguments. |
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| Repetition | Repeating certain words or phrases as a way to emphasise or imply significance. |
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| Rhetorical questions | A question which is asked with a purpose other then to gather information. Typically, the answer so obvious it is not expected as a response - instead, to emphasise an opinion. |
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| Hyperbole | An exagerrated statement not meant to be taken literally, but instead to make emphasise on something. |
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| Tricolon | Using three phrases one after another to invoke an emotional response from the audience. |
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| Some others: humour, analohgy, exclusive language, attacks, diction, generalisation. | ||
| Language Features (visual language) | ||
| Camera angles |
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| To be continued... | ||