The introduction of a particular language type, the mode of speaking by the deprived group in the society was used by Dickens to emphasise his point. E.g.
“Tis the poor craythur that stays here sur; and tis very bad she is and ‘tis very bad shes been this long time and ‘tis better she’ll never be.”
Dickens audience is the society in general. At that time in literary history, those that are likely to read the text are the elite and the politicians. He deliberately engaged in the heart rendering detail to effectively create awareness and also point out the findings of politicians.
His purpose of writing is to point out the failings of the politicians. He also wants to bring in to public attention the lot of deprived members in society. He effectively achieved this by adopting the method of writing that is particular to journalists.
Text 3
Heart and stroke project. Annual report 2004.
In context, text 3 is a typical example of annual reports. The paragraphs are short. Facts and figures are presented in simple sentences, e.g. “Manor Gardens started 24 years ago.”, “…. Working with zoo people a year.” Each short paragraph precisely states the points. Taking in to consideration the different literacy level of different members of the community, the writer adopts general health related diction, e.g. ‘nursing’, ‘health’, ‘rehabilitation’, etc.
The audience are members of the community in which the club is located and other interested groups. The structure of the text provides all the information that the audience needed.
The purpose for which the text is written is to inform. To do this the writer employed the use of positive sentences. This will effectively delight members of the community
Text 4
In Sickness and In Health
In context the loud and catchy heading “in sickness and in health.” Clearly marks the text. It is the style used by journalists to attract the attention. The text began with a question. This is to keep the reader in suspense which will further hold his attention. Words that are important to the reader are used, e.g. ‘mental or physical wellbeing’, paramount importance.’ The introduction of the strange name ‘Ayurveda’ in the first paragraph before going on to explain the meaning in the next paragraph helps to still keep the attention of the reader. It exaggerates, e.g. “crushed up against the doors on the Piccadilly line.”
The audience are mostly commuters. It is the type of text that the reader skims through, quickly searching for the precise information. The reader will cut across different age groups.
The photograph of a smiling Madonna and the catchy heading will effectively achieve the objective of the reader.
Text 5
The Sun newspaper
Cigs: Don’t turn curb into a ban.
The context of the publication shows the class of newspaper. It depicts a defiant approach to government. The heading shows the stand point of the newspaper e.g.”…John Reid has had to walk a tight rope.” The writer adopts a great deal of free use of language that is particular to journalism. Phrases like ‘nanny state’ are expressions used to criticise government policy. The term ‘we’ is frequently used in the text. This gives the impression that the sun and its readers are opposed to some government policies. The highlighted foot note” a pint, a fag is a mans right” is a clear example of language used by a lower, not very educated group in society.
The target audience is people with low education
Text 6
The Guardian
The writer adopts a catchy heading. Though it is subtle it is particularly journalistic. The structure, sentences and words used clearly shows an analytical approach. The paragraphs address each key point fully. Words like obesity, alcohol and tobacco and the health risks associated with them. The use of quotes e.g. “actively engaged” is further used to show the authenticity of the report. Terms like MOT, traffic light colour scheme are not exactly medical terms but are used here for effective associations. Facts and figures are also employed.
The target audience is the very educated members of the society. The text is for people who have the time and ability to analyze situations from information provided. It provides its readers with a compromising view point.
It effectively achieved its purpose through the structure, sentences and words used.
Similarities and differences.
A careful analysis of all the six text has brought out the similarities and differences of them all. Although they have the same theme their approaches and methods differ.
Journalist follows conventions which are particular to them. Their headlines are usually catchy and misleading e.g. ‘in sickness and ini health.’ The above heading is an advert for health course. Dictions are chosen from a range of words with the intent to play on the emotions of the readers. Some journalistic text do not follow the standard rules of grammar. The aim is to achieve as much sensationas possible. A carefree selection of words that will enhance the persuasive intent of journalistic text are widely used.
On the other hand, academic text is aimed at educating its readers. Estract from Anthony Gidden ‘Health – a sociological view’ is an example of academic text. It portrays characteristics that are particular to academic writing. Its aim is for a long term acquisition of knowledge. Its methods of imparting knowledge are analytical and factual. It usually adopts an objective view of its topic. It engages the use of references and quotes to support its arguments. Most academic texts are cautious in their use of language. It obeys the rules of grammar.
While a journalistic text is partisan, academic text is not.
The different text, have similar aims: They all disseminate information. But more than that they also engage in constructive criticism. Dickens in ‘Uncommercial traveller’ effectively wrote on the plight of the societies under privilege.
Reference
- The Oxford School Dictionary of Word origins
John Agto
University press 2004
- William Strunk and E.B. White
The elements of style
Allyn and Bacon 1979
- Longman
- Dictionary of contemporary English (New Edition)
Reading self – assessment sheet.
I read through each text 3 times. First I skimmed through each piece. Then I scanned through and concentrated on key words and phrases. I was looking for particular characteristics in the text.
I also referred to dictionaries to understand the meaning of some difficult words.
I had to carefully read the text and make reference to a dictionary so as to be able to give a good analysis of the texts.
Finally I read each piece careful and made notes.
