Figurative language in science popularisation:similes as an explanatory strategy in TED talks
This paper investigates the use of figurative language as one of the main features of TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design) Talks,a new science popularising genre. Drawing upon Wikberg’s (2008) similes classification,which analyses the patternsas ADJ/ADV as, is like N, is like V-ing N, and V...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Pusat Pengajian Bahasa dan Linguistik, FSSK, UKM
2014
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| Online Access: | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/7734/ http://journalarticle.ukm.my/7734/ http://journalarticle.ukm.my/7734/1/6784-18840-1-PB.pdf |
| Summary: | This paper investigates the use of figurative language as one of the main features of TED (Technology,
Entertainment, and Design) Talks,a new science popularising genre. Drawing upon Wikberg’s (2008) similes
classification,which analyses the patternsas ADJ/ADV as, is like N, is like V-ing N, and V like N,the paper
examines the use of similes as an explanatory strategy for knowledge dissemination. Focussing on a qualitative
and quantitative analysis of the TED talks held between 2006 and 2012,the study shows how TEDsters use
similes to compare complex scientific concepts to everyday life experiences;to breach the expert/non expert
barrier so that non-experts can participate in the scientific findings;and to look at science as ideas to be
discussed rather than information to be passively received. The study also reveals that rather than focussing on
culture-bound similes, these audience-oriented talks tend to avoid local cultural references that would not be
understood abroad. |
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