“Brer Possum’s Dilemma” by Jackie Torrence page 958-961

JARGON, DIALECT, AND SLANG

Modified by M. Singleton

Presentation created by Kevin Kloth,

Savannah Middle School Savannah, MOhttp://betterlesson.com/document/117839/jargon-dialect-and-slang-notes?from=search

Overview

Figurative language refers to words or phrases that add extra meaning or emotion to what we say or write.

Figurative language uses words in other ways than their literal sense

Figurative language can be used to suggest a picture (image), create a sensory reaction, or create other special effects like rhythm.

Examples of Figurative Language

Think of some of the figurative language you already know.

How do similes and metaphors add meaning or emotion to a story?

How about personification? Alliteration? Imagery?

Examples of Figurative Language

How do similes and metaphors add meaning or emotion to a story?

a creative way to express emotion change the mood (lighten or darken) reveal the attitude of the character create an instant word picture reveal age, locale, or character traits reveal how a character thinks or feels Example: “I’m very happy.” vs. “I’m as happy as a flea at a dog show.”

Examples of Figurative LanguageHow does personification add meaning or emotion to a

story?

a creative way to express emotion. develop the tone or mood reveal the attitude of the character reveal how a character thinks or feels

Example: “The pop machine ate my dollar.” “The copier hates me.”

How does alliteration add to a story?

creates rhythm creates / effects mood emphasizes words / phrases Example:

"The sun for sorrow will not show his head" (The Prince, Act 5 Scene 3)

Examples of Figurative Language

Examples of Figurative Language

How does imagery add meaning or emotion to a story?

a creative way to express emotion. develop the tone or mood creates a picture in the reader’s mind encourages use of other senses

Example:

“I'll tell you how the sun rose,-- A ribbon at a time. The steeples swam in amethyst, The news like squirrels ran. …”

- Emily Dickinson

Jargon, Dialect, and Slang

Jargon, dialect, and slang are types of figurative language.

An author can use all of these to add meaning or emotion to the story he or she is telling.

It can also be used to reveal important character traits.

Jargon

Jargon refers to the language and technical terms used by people of the same profession or group.

By profession, we mean:

Jargon

Jargon refers to the language and technical terms used by people of the same profession or group.

By profession, we mean: any vocation or business

Examples of jargon

Many professions use words or phrases that an average person would not know the meaning of.

Doctors and nurses use many phrases when talking to each other that an average person would not understand: Anterior Granuloma Subdural Pericardial effusion Renogram

Examples of jargon

Many other professionals often use jargon. Some common professions that use jargon:

Police Lawyers Scientists Businessmen and businesswomen Athletes

Examples of Jargon

B&E – Breaking and Entering

DUI – Driving Under the Influence

Dialect

Dialect is language spoken by the people of a particular place, time or social group

What are some examples of how people use different words now than they did two hundred years ago?

What are some examples of how people in the Midwest use different words than people in the South?

What are some examples of how wealthier people might use different words than less affluent people would?

Examples of Dialect

Look at the following two ways someone might say “Hi” to a group of friends when they walk into a room. Which speaker is most likely from America? Which speaker is most likely from England?

Well, hey there, mates. You catch the game on the tele this evening?

Hey guys, what’s up? Did you watch the Chiefs game last night?

Examples of Dialect

Look at the following two ways someone might invite a group of friends to dinner. Which speaker is most likely from the Midwest? Which speaker is most likely from the South?

Hey, do you all want to go to dinner tonight?

Howdy there. Do y’all want to go grab some dinner?

Examples of Dialect

Look at the following two passages. Which passage was most likely written recently? Which passage was probably written hundreds of years ago?

It could have betokened nothing short of the anticipated execution of some noted culprit, on whom the sentence of a legal tribunal had but confirmed the verdict of public sentiment.

From The Scarlet Letter

The day was for the most part routine for Germany’s eighty-two million citizens. Train stations were buzzing, coffee shops busy, government offices going about their business.

From The New York Times

What are some examples of how people use different words now than they did two hundred years ago?

200 years ago Now

hypos stimulus, burst of energy (hyper)

gay happy

aforesaid said before

molested disturbed, bothered

“MANY years ago, I contracted an intimacy with a Mr. William Legrand. He was of an ancient Huguenot family, and had once been wealthy; but a series of misfortunes had reduced him to want. To avoid the mortification consequent upon his disasters, he left New Orleans, the city of his forefathers, and took up his residence at Sullivan's Island, near Charleston, South Carolina.”

The Gold Bug by Edgar Allan Poe

Slang

Slang is informal words used in casual conversation.

By informal, we mean:

Slang

Slang is informal words used in casual conversation.

By informal, we mean:

without formality; casual

Slang

Below are examples of how we can turn formal sentences (left) into slang sentences (right).

Yes. Yep.

That was unusual. That was random.

My parents are here to pick me up. My ride’s here.

Our team needs to play Our team needs to take care our best tonight. of business tonight.