Figurative language is used in verbal communication and writing to enhance and entertain. Using figurative language creates a visual and has the potential to give our words more power whether in speaking or in writing. Using figurative language in writing makes reading more enjoyable and understandable.
As we read on about the different types of figurative language and how to use them it will become apparent that this type of language can help a writer portray something to its reader in a more accurate and in depth way. Because of this, we teach figurative language to children in schools as they begin to develop their writing abilities. This gives them the opportunity to more accurately express their voice through writing.
Idiom
An idiom is a phrase that is commonly used and understood by those who are fluent in that language. It means something different than the individual words. The meaning cannot be understood by the actual definition of the words. An example of an idiom is “it’s raining cats and dogs.” Obviously the person is not saying there are actually cats and dogs falling from the sky, they are simply saying it is raining very heavily.
You should use idioms when trying to make a point. They are often used with slight exaggeration to take something simple and make it sound more grand in a clever way. If you are looking for ideas to teach children about this form of figurative language then look no further than this list of idiom activities.
Simile
A simile is a comparison of two things using like or as. An example of a simile is “her smile is like the sunshine.” You should use a simile when trying to describe something or someone to a person who has not seen it before.
This kind of figurative language allows the reader or listener to visualize or better understand something the way you want them to. It is a good way to express how you feel about something in a way that others can understand by comparing it to something familiar.
Personification
Personification is when you describe something non-human with a person-like attribute. An example of this is saying “the leaves danced in the wind,” or “time marches on.” In reality, leaves can’t dance and time can’t march because they are inanimate objects. But, describing them in this way allows the reader to identify something in a familiar way.
Alliteration
Some would not classify alliteration as a figure of speech. It’s technically more about sound, but all of the experts will still classify it as figurative language. An alliteration is when consecutive words start with the same letter sound.
This type of literary device grabs attention and helps with memorization. An example of alliteration would be “wicked witch of the west.” A longer, more well known alliteration would be “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
Onomatopoeia
Try to spell that one five times fast! This word is pronounced on-uh-mon-uh-pee-uh. This form of figurative language is when a word sounds like it is described such as zap, bang, or ding-dong. This is used to portray sound effects via text.
Enhance Communication with Figurative Language
No matter what form of figurative language you choose to use it will surely add drama and visualization to whatever point you are trying to depict. Idioms are typically unique to one specific language, but these other options can be used by anyone in any language.
A sign of maturing vocabulary in children is the use of figures of speech. They are learned in school, but they can also be learned through hearing parents and others around them using this type of language. If you are looking for a way to teach idioms and other forms of expression then be sure to check out the link earlier in the article.
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