LITERAL LANGUAGE: CHARACTERISTICS, USES AND EXAMPLES - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The literal language or denotative language refers to the use of words according to their meaning and their most obvious sense. For example, saying "fell from fatigue" is used literal language, meaning that someone was actually affected by fatigue.

This meaning must be given by a formal definition, such as that found in dictionaries. However, on certain occasions it can also be given by the meaning assigned to words in a given context.

The main characteristic of literal language is that it avoids the use of any rhetorical device that may lend itself to interpretations other than the exact meaning. Therefore, it does not use metaphors, exaggerations, sarcasm or ironies.

Thanks to this, literal language is understandable for all people who speak the same language or who are within a certain context.

Uses of literal language

Literal language is used in those contexts where an exact expression of ideas is required. Scientific, journalistic and legal documents are some examples.

In certain situations its use is extremely important because it guarantees that the information being communicated is a reality that is not open to interpretation.

In dictionaries: lexicographical language

The language of dictionaries and encyclopedias is known by the name of "lexicographical language."

This type of language is characterized by the objective of describing and explaining concepts in such a way that they are understandable to all speakers of the same language.

For this reason, the lexicographic language must be literal, regardless of ornaments, subjectivities or nuances that confuse the reader.

For example, the Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy defines love as “Feeling of affection, inclination and dedication to someone or something”. A concrete explanation that avoids aesthetic resources, even for such an abstract concept.

In science: scientific language

The language used in scientific research is known as "scientific language." This type of language is intended to encode the observations and findings of science. In this way, they can be understood and verified by other scientists.

Therefore, one of the fundamental characteristics is the use of literal language. Avoiding the use of symbolism and adhering to the exact definitions of the concepts.

For example, love is explained from neurobiology in the following way: «The infatuation phase produces symptoms such as increased heart and respiratory rates, as well as tremors in the hands and legs. All this is due to chemical reactions that occur in the brain.

In informational journalism: journalistic language

The formal expression used in news journalism is known as journalistic language. This type of language is the one used for the transmission of precise data, with the aim that they are understood by the majority of the target audience.

In news journalism, literal language is essential for its purpose of avoiding alternative interpretations. However, there are other journalistic genres such as the chronicle, in which the use of rhetorical figures is common.

For example, a newspaper article can refer to love trying to make scientific language simpler, but keeping the language literal:

"Recently researchers from University College London captured images of brains in love and concluded that some areas of the brain are activated at the sight of the loved one."

In the legal field: legal language

The official language used in the legal and governmental sphere is known as legal language.

It is characterized by using the words in a very precise way, because they have the objective of designating specific actions, be it a crime or the description of a bill.

For this reason, legal language is also an application of literal language. In fact, the literal meanings of words are sometimes exploited in order to defend a defendant or evade legal liability.

For example, within the legal lexicon, the word spouse is used to designate “any of the natural persons who are part of a marriage”.

Literal language in everyday life

Apparently literal language is the simplest way of expression. Often, figurative language is associated exclusively with poetry and literature, while literal expressions are associated with everyday conversation.

However, the typical way words are used is not always based on the exact definition of the words. On many occasions, everyday language has rhetorical resources that have been incorporated into the culture over time and that are used unconsciously.

Everyday language is loaded with metaphors, sarcasm and exaggerations. These resources may seem obvious or accurate when used within a certain context, but when taken out of context they can be quite confusing.

For example, concepts such as "stay awake all night" or "feel butterflies in the stomach" are common but are not literal.

In the first case, the literal meaning would refer to spending the whole night lighting a place with candlelight.

However, in context it is understood that it is a metaphor of spending the night without sleep, a notion that comes from ancient times in which it was lit by candlelight.

In the second case, the literal meaning would refer to having real butterflies in the stomach. However, in context it is understood that this expression is a metaphor for the sensation that falling in love produces in the human body.

Example: literary language versus figurative language

The best way to understand literal language is by observing its contrast to figurative language.

The following is a fragment of a poem by Lope de Vega, where you can see the use of figurative language, very common in poetry:

This same idea in literal language could be expressed in a simpler way, as the following:

When a person is in love, they are able to accept negative or harmful attitudes and experiences, just because they come from the person they love. It is a very common behavior that anyone who has ever fallen in love can confirm.

References

1. Nordquist, R. (2017). What "Literal Meaning" Really Means. Recovered from: thoughtco.com.
2. Pediaa. (2015). Difference between Literal and Figurative Language. Recovered from: pediaa.com.
3. Study.com. (SF). Journalistic Writing: Characteristics & Functions. Recovered from: study.com.
4. University of Alberta. (SF). Scientific Language. Recovered from: crystaloutreach.ualberta.ca.
5. University of Denver. (SF). Legal language. Recovered from: law.du.edu.