Formal features Flashcards
formal features of a text (ch.7-9) (15 cards)
Jargon
Technical or specialised terms used within a specific field.
Euphemism
Language that masks or mitigates a taboo or potentially offensive topic
Double speak
Language that purposely obscures, obfuscates or hinders the meaning or intent of a statement
rhetoric
Informing, persuading and motivating a reader or a listener into action that supports the viewpoint of the writer or speaker
Non discriminatory language
Language that focuses on creating inclusivity and equality, by avoiding prejudice and stereotyping
What are some text types that may be formal
speeches, legal documents, news writing, messages from institutional bodies, professional communication, communication between stranger, literary works
what are some differences between informal texts and formal texts
formal texts tend to be highly cohesive, rely less on the audiences prior knowledge, well crafted and refines
Subsystem patterning
Contribute to consistency, clarity and precision. help enhance persuasiveness, ensure cultural and social appropriateness.
What affect does the use of jargon have?
helps to assert authority and expertise, demonstrating a detailed and complex understanding of subject matter.
- makes language more precise, which reduces lexical density and increases clarity and increasing clarity for a knowledgeable audience.
- jargon can also be used to exclude and confuse groups and individuals, specifically when its used before an audience that does not have the same specialised expertise
- jargon can also contain longer words increasing lexical density
what effect does euphemism have when used?
- can support social harmony, through lessening the impact of a statement, indicating appropriate sensitivities that may be upsetting to an audience.
- used to meet social politeness standards, appealing to a wide variety of people
- euphemisms avoid directness which can lead to miscommunication
Effects of double speak
double speak is purposely ambiguous without very euphemistic or misleading language choices.
- used to obfuscate meaning or misdirect four of audience
- not explicit about their intent
- relies heavliy on inference
- may also use formal language features such as jargon ti further manipulate the true meaning
Rhetoric
can win over an audience, rhetoric can utilise language features such as:
- subsystem patterning
- rhetoric appeals to emotion, logic or credibility
- repetition
- euphemism
- connotative language
effects of non discriminatory language
can unify by using general terminology, that helps embrace a wider audience.
- doest draw on distinctions between individuals or groups.
- promotes inclusion
Formal language in context
formal language is typically expected in formal settings in order to ensure that language is inclusive and non discriminatory to not threaten social harmony, as it os generally communicated to a large or unknown audience.
- also used to communicate serious or important topics
- can use high technical terms with nuanced meanings relating to a semantic domain of interest , that other academics could understand, but others won’t making it inaccessible to the majority relating to a semantic domain of interest