- Characteristics of the aesthetic function of language
- Emphasis on expressive value
- Preference of form over content
- Subject to cultural norms
- Presence in all linguistic contexts
- Examples
- To a dead young athlete
- References
The aesthetic function of language is its property of drawing attention to itself, thereby acquiring an autonomous value. In this sense, the word is simultaneously meaning and expression. That is to say, it has an objective meaning that is external to it and, at the same time, it has a subjective meaning, which exceeds the objective.
Therefore, the word can say one thing and simultaneously show something completely different. This aesthetic function of language is widely studied by a branch of philosophy: aesthetics.
The term is derived from the ancient Greek term aisthesis, which means sensation or perception, knowledge acquired through sensory experience.
On the other hand, this particular use of language is much more evident in the field of literature. In poetry, for example, literary verbal structures are used intensively to convey a multiplicity of meanings. Among them, we can mention color, sound, emotions and images of the material and concrete world.
To fulfill this function of language, a series of resources are used. Some of them are similes, assonances, dissonances, fantasy, puns and metaphors.
These are not for the exclusive use of literature. The range of possibilities where this aesthetic function of language is developed includes films, television programs and everyday language.
Characteristics of the aesthetic function of language
Emphasis on expressive value
The language has several functions. This can be used to convince (appellative function), communicate information about the concrete world (referential function), refer to aspects of the language (metalinguistic function), among others.
In the case of the aesthetic function of language, this gives priority to the expressive value of language. That is, it refers to their ability to express feelings or affections that an object, idea or being awakens.
This means that it does not neglect the significant value of language (its ability to refer to the outside world).
Preference of form over content
When you read a novel or a poem, you are experiencing the aesthetic function of language. In all these types of expressions, the intended purpose is to give aesthetic pleasure.
This is accomplished through the words themselves and through a conscious and deliberate arrangement that has a pleasant or enriching effect.
For this reason, this aesthetic purpose gives preponderance to form, rather than content. In this way, it is common, especially in literary contexts, that figurative, poetic or playful language is used.
As already mentioned, among the resources used for this purpose are similes, metaphors, irony, symbolism, and analogies.
On the other hand, when using words for artistic purposes, certain words are often selected and re-used to ensure that the desired effect is achieved.
Subject to cultural norms
The aesthetic function of language is related to the particular use of certain linguistic structures. However, it is cultural norms that ultimately determine the dominance of this function.
In general, language is in a relationship of interdependence with the culture of society. This reflects the beliefs, customs, values and activities of a particular group at a given time. It is not surprising that its aesthetic function is subject to all this cultural background.
Presence in all linguistic contexts
Although this assessment of the aesthetic function of language is most clearly evident in literature, it is also found in colloquial language. In the latter, it is perceived in the form of metaphors, word games and other expressive resources of everyday speech.
Examples
The aesthetic function of language can be seen more strongly in poetry. In fact, poetic and aesthetic function are commonly used synonymously.
The goal of poetic language is to convey a deep meaning, feeling, or image to the audience. To create this effect, purposely include pictures and figurative language.
Thus, in order to illustrate this function, two poems are presented below. Note how the authors, through a particular selection of words and the way to combine them, manage to enhance the beauty of their own language while describing their own moods.
To a dead young athlete
(AE Housman, translation by Juan Bonilla)
“The day you won the race in your town,
we all walked you through the square.
Men and children chanted your name
and we carried you to your home on our shoulders.
Today all athletes walk the path
and on our shoulders we bring you home.
At the threshold we will deposit you,
citizen of the quietest city.
Clever boy, you left early
where glory is unimportant.
Did you know that fast growing laurel
long before rose wilted.
With your eyes closed at night,
you won't be able to see who your record beats. "
The sheep
Andres Bello
"Deliver us from the fierce tyranny
of humans, omnipotent Jove
A sheep said, handing the fleece to the scissors?
that in our poor people
does the pastor more harm
in the week, than in the month or the year
the claw of the tigers made us.
Come, common father of the living, burning summers;
come the cold winter, and give us shelter the shady forest, letting us live independently, where we will never hear the pan
hated, who gives us the scab, let's not see armed
of the damn staff
to the destructive man who mistreats us, and shears us, and kills a hundred by a hundred.
Release the hare pace
of what he likes, and goes where he pleases, without a boy, without a sheepfold and without a cowbell;
and the sad sheep, hard case!
if we have to take a step, we have to ask the dog for a license.
Our wool dresses and shelters man;
the ram is their daily food;
and when in anger you send to earth, for their crimes, famine, plague or war, Who has seen human blood flow?
on your altars? No: the sheep alone
to appease your anger he immolates himself… "
References
- Dufrenne, M. (1973). The Phenomenology of Aesthetic Experience. Evanston: Northwestern University Press.
- Doane University. (s / f). Benefits of an Aesthetic Education. Taken from doane.edu.
- Hoogland, C. (2004). An Aesthetics of Language. Taken from citeseerx.ist.psu.edu.
- Austin Community College District. (s / f). Literary purpose. Taken from austincc.edu.
- Llovet, J. (2005). Literary theory and comparative literature. Barcelona: Ariel.
- León Mejía, AB (2002). Strategies for the Development of Professional Communication. Mexico DF: Editorial Limusa.