Rhetoric
The art of speaking or writing effectively The study of principles & rules of
composition formulated by critics of ancient times The study of writing or speaking as a means of communication or persuasion Skill in the effective use of speech A type or mode of language or speech
Connotation: (any of) the feelings or ideas that are suggested by a word, rather than the actual meaning of the word. 隐含意义
e.g. The word “armchair” has connotations of comfort and relaxation.
3. derog speech or writing that sounds
fine and important, but is really insincere or without meaning. (贬)浮夸之词,华丽辞藻
In its broadest sense, rhetoric
concerns both the practice and study of effective communication in literature and in social discourse.
(Davis,Linell, Doing Culture -- Cross-cultural communication in Action,
Beijing, Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press,2001)
Group Discussion: In what context(s) can you possibly find such kind of definitions? Are they special? If so, in what way? Work together to find out the exact meaning in the definitions.
Until well into the 19th century, rhetoric was a fundamental area of academic study and a direct influence on the compositional styles of poets, playwrights, and novelists. Thus, an understanding of rhetoric can enrich our understanding of literary works.
Poetic language (literariness of language)
我是一片云 夜幕下的哈尔滨
Discussion: 1. Do we think metaphorically?
2. What is crucial in creating metaphorical language?
Try this: How to define culture?
Culture is a system of meaning.
Can you be more specific in defining culture?
What might be the demerits of metaphorical language if improperly used?
Metaphor

A comparison made by referring to one thing as another.
No man is an island.
—John Donne
Life is a beach / journey.
Who captains the ship of state?

cooperation in beings that by nature respond to
symbols“
(Kenneth Burke)
"a study of misunderstanding and its remedies"

(I. A. Richards)
Definitions in Longman
Figurative Language
Language which goes beyond what is denotation, and has a suggestive effect on the reader.
A figure of speech (aesthetic qualities of language) is an instance of figurative language.
Practical Aspects of Studying Rhetoric
In addition, as an innately pluralistic form of criticism, rhetorical analysis may serve as a bridge between the study of literature and the study of other forms of discourse: speeches, advertisements, reportage, debates, television news--all manner of texts, images, icons, and symbols.
Culture is like an iceberg. Culture is our software. Culture is like the water a fish swims in. Culture is the story we tell ourselves about ourselves. Culture is the grammar of our behavior.
Definitions by Scholars
“the art of winning the soul by discourse” (Plato)
“the art of persuasion by the available means”
(Aristotle)
“the art of a good person speaking well” (Quintilian)
“that powerful instrument of error and deceit” (Locke)
“that art or talent by which discourse is adapted to its
end”
(George Campbell)
"the use of language as a symbolic means of inducing
Therefore, the skills practiced in the course should be useful not only to students of literature but also to those preparing for careers in law, business, politics, public relations, education, and journalism.
1. The art of speaking or writing in a way that is likely to persuade or influence people. 修辞学
2. The language used, esp. by politicians, in doing this. (尤指政治家使用的)雄辩 言辞,煽动性语言
Construction of meaning through linguistic means
Denotation: the thing that is actually named or described by a word, rather than the feelings or ideas that are suggested by the word. 指示意义,本义