Literal vs. Figurative Language

There are two ways to understand our spoken communication:

1. Literal Language

2. Figurative Language

Literal and Figurative Language

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H8KKXyQr4E

Literal Language• To write or say something that means its actual

definition

• It states exactly what it means

• It stays the same all the time

Literal Language Example

Figurative Language Example

I spent $30 on video games today.

I spent a ton of money on video games today.

I’m really hungry. I could eat a cow!

Figurative Language•Words or phrases that mean something different than what it actually says

•Figurative is an antonym (means the opposite) of literal

•It is language that your brain has to FIGURE out

Figurative Language•There is room for interpretation

•It does NOT mean exactly what it sounds like

•A person has to make a 'smart' guess based on what is happening in the environment or with the person when the language is being used

Clips• Figurative language in songs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtCXaQ9nvOY

• Figurative language in movies/TV shows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14SEC1vuvoc

• Idioms in Shows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f-bwtOs6yI (0.20-1.00)

• Literal and Figurative: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITnX68RXccY

Show me what Idioms you know• Complete worksheet independently

Example: A Piece of Cake

Literal Language

Walter and Dennis are high school students.They're talking about a recent math test they took.

Walter: "What did you think about that math exam Dennis?”Dennis: "I think that it was pretty easy.”Walter: "Ya, it only took me 15 minutes to finish.”Dennis: "Me too. I was finished in no time.”Walter: "The exam sure could have been a lot more difficult.”Dennis: "True, but I'm glad that it was a piece of cake!"

Figurative Language

Example: A Piece of Cake

A simple task that is easily accomplished.

Figurative Language

Literal Language

Example: Raining Cats & Dogs

It is raining very hard.

Figurative Language

Example: Ants in Your Pants

Literal Language

Nancy's 8 year-old son has ants in his pants because he is going to his first football game tomorrow. He’s so excited.

Robert had ants in his pants because he had a presentation to give in his business class.

Figurative Language

Example: Ants in your Pants

Not being able to sit still because you are very excited or worried about something

Figurative Language

Literal Language

Example: An Arm and A Leg

Figurative Language

Ex: These Patriots tickets cost us an arm and a leg!

Figurative Language

Example: An Arm & A Leg

To be very expensive.

Done:

IDIOM DRAWING ACTIVITY

IDIOMS:

• Once in a blue moon

• A penny for your thoughts

• Deer in the headlights

Figurative Language in…

• Commercials: http://classroommagic.blogspot.com/2013/02/teaching-figurative-language-with.html

• Activity: Happy as a …….

Find Figurative Language in Songs

• Eye of the Tiger- http://safeshare.tv/w/YyZJUUtonQ

Project

1. Identify one idiom- Give a literal and figurative representation- Determine the meaning of each idiom

2. Pick a song - Identify 3-5 idioms - Determine the meaning of each idiom

Optional: Suggest a clip/show that uses an idiom