Analysis: Figurative language is the term for the many linguistic devices we consciously or subconsciously draw upon in our conversations
The traditional method for learning another language was to focus on memorising vocabulary and conjugating verbs. For mature readers, think back to your Irish classroom days! We also start with these building blocks when we teach linguistics, looking first at how words are formed and then how they are grouped together to form sentences. These morphological and syntactical processes can be considered prescriptive grammar, rules that we know and generally abide by in more formal conversations.
But to be truly become proficient in any variety of language, such as Irish English that we speak on the island of Ireland, we need to introduce the concept of pragmatics. This encompasses the multiple meanings that a word or phrase can represent, depending on their usage in any individual conversation. It’s what makes life really interesting for linguists and if you’re reading this, welcome to the club!
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From RTÉ Brainstorm, why Irish people never say what they mean
How does this work with Irish English?
Figurative language is a broad term to cover the many linguistic devices that we consciously or subconsciously draw upon in our conversations. We use hyperbole, exaggerating what we say without even thinking about it.
The first Irish words, encountered by many visitors to Ireland, are céad míle fáilte, we offer a hundred thousand welcomes. Thanks a million is often preferred over a simple thank you. Our language is creative with the usage of metaphors to vividly convey our point of view.
President Michael D. Higgins has a great ability to use concise but vivid metaphors in historic verbal interactions. Addressing the British parliament in 2014, he described future relations between both countries as "a fresh canvas on which to sketch our shared hopes and to advance our overlapping ambitions". It will be interesting to note the metaphors that will be used by the presidential candidates in their media appearances over the coming months.
From UK Parliament, President Michael D Higgins addresses the UK Parliament in April 2014
Another type of figurative language, notable in Irish English, relates to our liberal use of swear words. Due to print guidelines, I need to avoid the actual words, but we all know them. We frequently embellish our utterances, for example, very effectively adding a descriptive adjective to the expression "she’s a ticket" as outlined by Dr. Brona Murphy in her study on the pragmatics of swearing. In fact, as Irish English speakers, I would say that we swear by the swearing paradox phenomenon, aligning with research which demonstrates that the more offensive swear words are those most frequently used in our conversations.
Why do we use figurative language?
Research shows that we consciously deploy such language to intensify our statements. In dramatising our language, we can hold others attention. Comedians use swearing very effectively to do this, luring us in and keeping our minds focused on them with the vulgar language that they use. We might feign offence but we keep listening (and laughing) to see will they say it again. Think of TV shows such as Father Ted or Mrs Brown's Boys, both of which have characters with very colourful language.
Metaphors also serve to intensify the verbal picture being painted and powerfully appeal to our emotions. In a global context, we can hear this in the language used after the recent shooting of US activist Charlie Kirk, notably by his wife, who declared that "you have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife". Advising caution, the Utah governor stated that those in politics needed to find an off-ramp, an effective, if quite an American English turn of phrase, calling for reflection over incendiary action.
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From RTÉ Brainstorm, why Irish people love making connections when we meet strangers
Figurative language is also noted in our conversations when we want to build solidarity and show empathy towards others. In linguistic research, such language can been measured on an intimacy cline with many expressions, reviewed in conversational context, featuring high on this cline. Studies have shown that swearing is more common in intimate conversations between families and friends and it can build relationships when used in humorous exchanges.
Even in workplace research, there is plenty of evidence of swearing being used in conversations to display solidarity between team members and reduce stress levels within the team. Indeed, some of the contestants on the Traitors Ireland TV show swear quite a bit. If we were to analyse it, we may find that on some occasions, they have used such language to forge alliances.
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From RTÉ Brainstorm, 'He proposed to me on our first date': my experience of Irish culture shock
Looking at figurative expressions, these abound in team-centred situations, notably many that originate from team sports. We dig deep, give it 100%, get it over the line and have adopted knock it out of the ball park from American baseball. RTE’s Traitors, or rather the Faithfuls, are frequently asked by the host to step up their game to identify the traitors among them. Such figurative language promotes team solidarity and unity - which is not the game that the traitors are playing!
My disclaimer is that every conversation is unique. Every verbal interaction is influenced by a myriad of factors from the participants in the conversation to background noise so please don’t take me literally!
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The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
