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Lecture 5

Lecture 5 discusses the concept of style in language, its origins, and its application in various fields, particularly in stylistics, which examines the relationship between language and communication. It outlines different styles within the English literary language and emphasizes the importance of stylistic analysis across genres such as literature, journalism, academic writing, advertising, and oratory. The lecture highlights how stylistic features influence the effectiveness of communication and the emotional impact of texts.

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8 views

Lecture 5

Lecture 5 discusses the concept of style in language, its origins, and its application in various fields, particularly in stylistics, which examines the relationship between language and communication. It outlines different styles within the English literary language and emphasizes the importance of stylistic analysis across genres such as literature, journalism, academic writing, advertising, and oratory. The lecture highlights how stylistic features influence the effectiveness of communication and the emotional impact of texts.

Uploaded by

madinajeenbaeva00
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Lecture 5:

General Notes on Style and Stylistics

1. The Role of Style in Language


2. Stylistic Analysis of Different Genres

The word style is derived from the Latin word 'stylus' which meant a
short stick sharp, at one end and flat at the other used by the Romans for
writing on wax tablets. Now the word 'style' is used in so many senses. The
word is applied to the teaching of how to write a composition it is also used
to reveal the correspondence between thought and expression; it denotes any
individual manner of making use of language.

The subject of stylistics has so far not been definitely outlined. This is due to a
number of reasons.

First of all there is a confusion between the terms style and stylistics. The first
concept is so broad that it is hardly possible to regard it as a term. We speak of
style in architecture, literature, behaviour, linguistics, dress and other fields of
human activity

Even in linguistics the word style is used so widely that it needs interpretation. The
majority of linguists who deal with the subject of style agree that the term applies
to the following fields of investigation.:

1) the aesthetic function of language;

2) expressive means in language;

3) synonymous ways of rendering one and the same idea;

4) emotional colouring of language;

5) a system of special devices called stylistic devices;

6) the splitting of the literary language into separate subsystems called stylistic
devices;

7) the interrelation between language and thought;

8) the individual manner of an author in making use of language.

The origin of the term Style and Stylistics.

Lat - stylus - a stick made of material for writing.


Stylistics - from French " Stylistique " -instrument for Writing.

Finally there is one more important application of the term style. We speak of the
different styles of language. A style of Language is a system of interrelated
language means which serves a definite aim in communication. The peculiar
choice of language means is primarily dependent on the aim of communication.

Thus we may distinguish the following styles within the English literary language:
1) the belles- letters style; 2) the publicistic style; 3) the newspaper style; 4} the
scientific prose style; 5) the style of official documents and presumably some
others. The classification presented here is not arbitrary, the work is still in the
observational stage. The classification is not proof against criticism, though no one
will deny that the five groups of styles exist in the English literary language.

Stylistics, sometimes called linguo-stylistics, is a branch of general linguistics. It


deals mainly with two interdependent tasks: a) the investigation of the inventory of
special language media which by their ontological features secure the desirable
effect of true utterance and by certain types of texts (discourse) which due to the
choice and arrangement of language means are distinguished by the pragmatic
aspect of the communication. The two objectives of stylistics are clearly
discernible as two separate fields of investigation. The inventory of special
language "media" can be analysed and their phonological features revealed if
presented in a system in which the co-relation between the media becomes evident.

The types of texts can be analysed if their linguistic components are


presented in their interaction, thus revealing the unbreakable unity and
transparency of constructions of a given type. The types of texts that are
distinguished by the pragmatic aspect of the communication are called
functional styles of language (FS); the special media of language which
secure the desirable effect of the utterance are called stylistic devices
(SD) and expressive means ( EM).

Style refers to the distinct way in which language is used by an individual, group,
or in specific contexts. It can influence how a message is delivered, interpreted,
and understood. Language style is shaped by various factors, including:

 Tone: The emotional quality or attitude of the language (e.g., formal,


informal, sarcastic, or humorous).
 Diction: Word choice, which can significantly impact meaning and the
emotional impact of a piece.
 Syntax: Sentence structure, the arrangement of words and phrases, can
affect readability and the way the audience processes information.
 Pacing and Rhythm: The flow and speed of the language, especially in
speech or writing, can affect how the audience engages with the text.
 Register: The level of formality or informality in language, based on the
context (e.g., academic language vs. casual conversation).

In essence, style is a tool used to achieve specific communicative effects, whether


it’s to persuade, inform, entertain, or express emotion. Different situations and
audiences demand different styles, and a speaker or writer’s ability to adapt their
style is critical for effective communication.

2. Stylistic Analysis of Different Genres

Stylistic analysis involves examining the various elements of language that


contribute to the overall style of a text. Different genres employ different stylistic
features based on their purpose and audience. Some examples include:

 Literary Genres (e.g., Poetry, Prose):


o Poetry often uses metaphor, imagery, rhyme, and meter to evoke
emotional responses and convey deeper meanings.
o Prose, including novels and short stories, uses narrative techniques
like character development, dialogue, and descriptive language to
engage readers.

 Journalistic Writing:
o News articles tend to be objective, concise, and clear, focusing on
facts and delivering information in an accessible manner. The style is
typically straightforward with a focus on clarity and brevity.
o Feature articles may have a more engaging style, employing
descriptive language and a more personal tone.

 Academic Writing:
o The style here is formal, impersonal, and often dense. The focus is on
clarity, evidence, and logical structure. Sentence structure is complex,
and there's a tendency to use specialized vocabulary.

 Advertising and Marketing:


o This genre employs persuasive language with a focus on engaging the
reader and eliciting a call to action. The style is often emotional, with
the use of catchy phrases and slogans to attract attention.

 Speech and Oratory:


o Speeches use rhetorical devices like ethos (credibility), pathos
(emotion), and logos (logic) to persuade or inspire an audience. The
style is often formal and designed for spoken delivery, with a focus on
rhythm, repetition, and direct address.
In stylistic analysis, scholars or critics will focus on how language features
contribute to the overall effect or purpose of a text. For example, in poetry, the use
of enjambment or caesura can influence the rhythm and emotional impact, while in
news articles, the use of passive voice or direct quotes can affect objectivity and
trustworthiness.

Ultimately, stylistic analysis helps to understand the relationship between form and
function in language, offering insights into how different styles fulfill the
communicative goals of various genres.

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