Linguistics is the scientific study of language, how it works, how it is acquired, and how people use it to communicate. It is an important field of study for writers because without language, there is no communication and without communication, the literary piece loses meaning. A language is a tool of communication that is used to pass a message to the intended audience. Understanding linguistics helps writers compose compelling works and develop creative prose that speaks to the reader’s senses and transports them to a different state of reality.
Effective Use Of Language
It is essential to use language appropriately for the meaning to be conveyed. As a writer, you have to think of an idea, draw an imaginary picture about it, and think of the best way to express it. A well-thought-of idea can be misinterpreted if not well-illustrated. Organization of ideas should also be factored in; one should easily understand that this is the exposition, climax, and resolution. The style one applies should be appealing to the readers. The tone should be appropriate; it shouldn’t be too harsh, but it must care for the readers. The audience is critical and so the writer should consider the context in which it is being written and who will read it.
Read – Research for Creative Writing by Sandra Nadege (Rwanda)
Characteristics of Effective Language
Language should be concrete
The language should be felt by the readers and this is done by including more descriptions which will create images in their minds. Abstract language is not recommended as it does not bring to mind specific visual images. Readers have no deep connection with the piece of art they are reading. Concrete language is specific and not subject to many interpretations, unlike abstract language which can be interpreted differently.
Example; My mother is calm is abstract and can be interpreted in many ways and leave many questions unanswered like to what degree is she calm? Instead, if one says; My mother does not like causing trouble, it’s specific and the reader can visualize it.
Language should be concise
Effective writers should express the desired message in as few words as possible. Too much wordiness makes good writing turn out to be bad. It is important to use straightforward language with little explanation so the reader can easily understand. Writers should eliminate redundant words and phrases, and filler words in their writing
Language should be familiar
It is essential to use language which readers easily recognize. If they are not familiar with it then a barrier is established between the reader and writer making it hard to understand the message. For example, in a children’s book, one can use a complex word like exultant instead of using the word happy which the children are familiar with.
Read – Intentional Living: How to Live your Dream by Funminiyi Akinrinade, Nigeria
Linguistics fields are useful to a fiction writer
Linguistics as the scientific study of language has different disciplines which include; phonology/phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.
Phonology is concerned with how sounds function in relation to each other in a language. Every language has its phoneme inventory and the phonetic environment creates variations called allophones.
Morphology is the study of the smallest units of meaning in language, called morphemes. They are building blocks for word creation and include affixes, and grammar markers.
Syntax deals with sentence organization, order of clauses, and the relationship between words. The rules for the structure of a sentence follow subject–verb–object (SVO) word order. Additionally, it also determines words combined to form a sentence.
You can’t write without syntax. Syntax is the bread and butter for every writer.
Semantics deals with the study of meaning; therefore it helps create the atmosphere associated with any work of literature. Semantics can introduce multiple layers of meaning and set the tone of the piece.
Pragmatics is the study of communication and this consists of dialogue, but not just character-to-character dialogue. A writer is supposed to create a good rapport with the reader through dialogue. Pragmatics includes the intention of the writer and the feedback, whether the message was delivered using the right channel.
Read – Mindfulness: The Art of Breathing in and Out by Lise Nova Berwadushime, Rwanda
Things Every Writer Should Know about Linguistics
Every writer should be aware that linguistics is a descriptive discipline where the focus is on how language is used rather than the rules of correct usage. It is not based on don’t use this, don’t do that; write this way and not that way, but rather on the “how”. Linguistics focuses on the ‘why’ doctrine and teaches the principles that govern language use.
Writers should also know that they are already using linguistic principles subconsciously; the principles are already written in their brains, and it’s a matter of identification.
Conclusion
It is important to not only think about what you say, but how you say it. Ideas should be organized in complete sentences. A good writer should think about the style, tone, and clarity of the message they intend to share with the audience. For language to be used effectively, the writer must understand why they write, the situation in which the work is written and who will read the written work.
“Don’t only practice your art, but force into its secrets; art deserves that, for it and knowledge can raise man to divine.”
BY Ludwig Van Beethoven.
References
https://katestrading.co/2015/07/03
https://faculty.washington.edu/ezent/et.html
Elizabeth Nafula is a Kenyan writer, teacher, and researcher in Media and Communications. She divides her time between scripting and reading quality fiction. She has been shortlisted and long-listed in several competitions including the African Writers Awards drama category in 2021, Yours2read 2022, and CITAM drama 2022 among others. Her short stories have also been published in Kepressng Anthology. Currently, she’s picked up an interest in Filming and Children’s Literature. She is a member of Writers Space Africa.
