What is Figurative Language?

Figurative Language

In this course, Dr Jonathan Taylor (University of Leicester), discusses figurative language in practice and in theory. In the first module, we discuss what we refer to when we refer to figurative language, focusing specifically on the definitions of metaphor, simile and personification. In the second, we look at how poet Carol Ann Duffy employs metaphor, simile and personification in her poem 'Valentine.' In the third, we investigate the mechanisms by which figurative language works. In the fourth, we consider the effect of figurative language, thinking especially about defamiliarisation. In the fifth, we discuss whether there is a difference between figurative and 'normal' language, or whether all language can be considered figurative. Finally, in the sixth module, we cover the extended metaphor, also known as the 'conceit', and read AC Bevan's poem 'This Week in History.'

What is Figurative Language?

In this lecture, we discuss what we mean we refer to figurative language, focusing especially on: (i) what we denote as figurative language, and (ii) the definitions of types of figurative language, such as metaphor, simile, and personification.