The use of figurative language - Research Paper Example

The use of figurative language Abstract The use of figurative language is vitally important in enabling the users to clarify important points to the audience. Similes and metaphors are elemental when referring to objects that are related or similar in different ways. The literature review indicates that there are significant differences between the two forms of figurative speech. Similes are relatively less complex than metaphors. The analysis found out that a significant percentage of the population appreciates the differences and asserts that the two are used in different contexts and by individuals having varied degrees of experience. The discussion ascertains that while metaphors refer to objects that are identical, similes refer to objects that are similar. Key Words: Metaphor, simile, differences, figurative, speech Introduction Humans are social beings who interact at different levels during the execution of their duties. The roles that each of them play are distinctive and in some cases, these overlap. In most instances, they require the help of others in a bid to function optimally. Communication is an important medium through which they understand and appreciate the demands of each other. Language is particularly of great importance because it enables them to understand each other and exist in a harmonic manner. Through a common language, they are able to eliminate social conflicts that have detrimental effects on their very wellbeing. The language that a community adopts is in most instances derived from the environment that the respective community inhabits. It is widely agreed that figurative language is commonly used by communities for various purposes. Typical examples of figurative language include metaphors and similes. This paper provides an in depth analysis of the differences between metaphors and similes. Literature Review In his research, Heidrich (2004) indicates that metaphors and similes play distinctive roles in communication. They are mostly employed for clarification purposes especially because they make references to things that the particular community is conversant with. In particular, they help in relating the respective information to the objects that they are being compared to. With this, the audience can be able to clearly understand the concepts being passed across. Roberts and Kreuz (1994) assert that this is important because it eases communication and prevents conflicts that are likely to strain social relations and undermine the holistic functioning of the society. Nonetheless, there are unique differences between these two figures of speech. It is widely agreed that most people get confused about their use because they are commonly employed in similar circumstances. In similes, the word as or like is used to liken features of the things being compared to those of another object or thing. Johnson (1996) indicates that in this, one object has a feature that has similar characteristics of another feature of the other object. For example, with respect to color, one can use the simile, as black as ebony. This implies that the two objects share a similar intensity of blackness. In this respect, the comparison is direct and objects equally have similar characteristics. This is unlike in metaphors where the comparison is relatively indirect and there is no use of the words like or as. In their comprehensive review, Juang and Rabiner (1991) assert that metaphors are an equation while similes are approximation. In this respect, metaphors refer to the object being compared to fully. In this, a thing is considered to be typical of the other. For instance, telling someone ‘you are a dog’ differs considerably from telling him or her ‘you look like a dog’. In this regard, Johnson (1996) indicates that metaphors refer to more intrinsic features than the similes. Thus with regard to meaning, they are more complex than the similes. In light of mathematics for instance, one could say that figure 9 is approximately equal to figure 10. In this regard, it is like figure 10. In this case, a simile is used to compare the two values which have different values yet comparable values. An equation like A is equal to B or can be substituted for C means that if A is represented by a value of 10, B and C is also represented by the same figure 10 that cannot be substituted by figure 9. This example explains the fact that unlike similes, metaphors can be extended, reversed and re-substituted to fit to the description of the object being compared to in different circumstances. To a great extent, application of similes and metaphors in language are equally different. Glucksberg (2001) ascertains that effective application of these figures of speech is highly depended on the experience that one has in a particular environment. Unlike metaphors, similes tend to be distinct in nature. They require a high degree of accuracy and background knowledge of the two objects under comparison. The audience of the respective similes also needs to be conversant with the particular objects. Particularly, both parties need to have similar feelings about the objects being compared. The inherent consistency is essential in understanding and appreciating the meanings being referred to by the speaker. In his research, Kovesces (2010) argues that similarly, audiences listening to the metaphors need to be well versed with the meanings implied therein. Unlike in similes, both parties in this case need to think similarly about the respective meanings. Put differently, the audiences should equally be able to appreciate the meanings of the metaphors. This implies that the two need to have shared certain experiences being referred to by the metaphors. This is vital in eliminating inconsistencies that undermine interpretation and understanding of the metaphors. Another difference pertains to the recognition that use of metaphors is usually depended on the knowledge and understanding of the originator. In this regard, Johnson (1996) indicates that the author of the metaphor best understands its relevance in the respective scenario. This is attributable to the fact that they interact more with the objects being compared with than their audiences. This differs from application of similes as in the latter; both parties need to have a similar understanding of the objects under comparison. With regard to complexity of application, Wormeli (2009) believes that similes are comparatively limited than metaphors. In this respect, similes compare one distinctive attribute of two objects. Metaphors on the other hand compare all attributes of one abject to the entire attributes of another object. In the aforementioned dog example for instance, the author of the simile compares only looks of the subject to those of a dog. A metaphor on the other hand compares the entire attributes including looks and behavior to those of the subject. From this point of view, metaphors are comparatively complex than similes. To a certain extent, there are inherent differences in the usage of the two figures of speech. The use of simile is usually influenced by emotion. In this regard, its application is relatively uncertain and spontaneous. This is unlike metaphors whose usage in language is influenced by logic and based on informed and objective thought. As indicated earlier, metaphors are only used by the author who clearly understands the implications of their use and therefore their application in that particular environment. From the preceding literature review, it is certain that there are differences between metaphors and similes. Both are used for making comparisons between objects accordingly. As indicated, the differences are apparent in the nature as well as use of the two figures of speech. Their use is influenced by different factors and the users have varied degrees of experience and knowledge regarding the specific figurative language. Nonetheless, decisions regarding their use are greatly influenced by factors pertaining to the environment in which the audience and the author are located and the reasons necessitating their use. Analysis The use of figurative language is important in enhancing clarification that then aids in better understanding of the concepts that the author wishes to pass on the audience. Statistical evidence indicates that a significant percentage of the population does not clearly understand the differences between similes and metaphor. This is attributable to the fact that both forms of figurative speech are used under similar contexts. In addition, they are used to attain distinctive goals. It is for this reason that the study sought to establish the views of the population about the research question. The sample consisted of fifty students who were pursuing a bachelor’s degree in linguistics. The choice of this sample was informed by the recognition that this faction of the population is knowledgeable about technical aspects of language as well as its dynamics and has had sufficient experience in its use. Based on this, they would be able to make informed decisions regarding the question under review. The research questions revolved around the need to determine differences between similes and metaphors. The researcher conducted interviews using and model interview schedule that had been prepared upfront. The participants were first informed about the purpose of the study and their consent sought before being interviewed. The study was successful as participation was 100%. Results Findings of the study indicated that 85% of the population appreciates the fact that there are distinct differences between similes and metaphors. 15% of the remaining population believed that similes and metaphors are similar because both are employed for making comparisons. In particular, they argued that similes are simpler forms of metaphors and as such, there is no difference between these two. With respect to their use, 70% of the population affirmed that both forms of figurative speech are employed for comparison purposes. The remaining 30% were unaware of the uses of metaphors and similes of speech. Some of the differences cited by the population include their usage and complexity. Just like the findings in the literature review, the study affirmed that the two figures of speech are used by different individuals under varied environments. Discussion Findings of the literature review indicated that similes and metaphors differ in user contexts as well as in their nature. Unlike similes, metaphors are more complex and have a deeper meaning. Both are employed for comparison purposes. In both, authors as well as audiences need to be conversant with the environment especially because they tend to refer to objects found in the respective environment. Findings from the field study are consistent with those of the literature review. In these, the populations understand and appreciate that similes and metaphors are used in similar environments for comparison purposes. The study established that both the audience and the author need to be conversant with the points of reference for the figures of speech to effectively attain their goal. Both are used for clarifying important concepts to the audience and therefore need to refer to objects that both parties are familiar with. From the preceding analysis, it cannot be disputed that there is a great difference between metaphors and similes. Although they are both used in comparison, their implications, usage, nature and application differ considerably. Essentially, metaphors are figures of speech used in literary analysis. They describe subjects or objects by asserting that both have similar point of reference. According to Glucksberg and Cartrinel (2006), metaphors are analogous and closely related to wide ranging rhetorical figures of speech which achieve meanings through comparison, resemblance or association. Examples of these include similes, hyperbole and allegory. Basically, a metaphor indicates that the two objects are actually identical rather than a similar. A simile on the other hand shows that two items are merely similar. From this point of view, metaphors tend to be more forceful and assertive than the similes. Conclusion Similes and metaphors are important forms of figurative speech that are vitally important in communication. They play an instrumental role in clarifying complex concepts to the audience. Through these, the originator or authors of the messages attain their objectives with regard to relaying important information. As it has come out from the study, similes and metaphors differ in varied ways. Although they are used under similar circumstances, the objectives of their use are different. They need to refer to objects that are well known to both the audience and the author. To attain this, it is vitally important that both parties have sufficient experience. They also need to be knowledgeable about the objects being referred to in the similes. Only then can the respective figures of speech have impact in their lives and general wellbeing. References Glucksberg, S. & Catrinel, H. (2006). On relation between metaphor and simile: When comparison fails. Mind and Language, 21 (3): 360-378 Glucksberg, S. (2001). Understanding figurative language: From metaphor to idioms. Oxford: University Press. Johnson, A. (1996). Comprehension of metaphors and similes: A reaction time study. Metaphor and Symbolic Activity, 11 (2), 145-159 Juang, B. & Rabiner, L. (1991). Hidden Markov models for speech recognition. Technometrics, 33 (3): 251-272 Lakoff, G. & Johnson, M. (2003). Metaphors we live by. Chicago: University Press Heidrich, D. (2004). Figuratively speaking. USA: Creative Teaching Press. Kovecses, Z. (2010). Metaphor: A practical introduction. Oxford: University Press. Roberts, R. & Kreuz, R. (1994). Why do people use figurative language? Psychological Science, 5 (3): 159-163 Wormeli, R. (2009).Metaphors and analogies: Power tools for teaching any subject. USA: Stenhouse Publishers Read More