Denotation Connotation

1. Word Analysis, Fluency, and Systematic Vocabulary Development Denotation Connotation

2. Reading – Word Analysis Denotation and Connotation UNUSUALUNUSUAL Denotation - extraordinary Connotation - bizarre

3. Good writers choose their words for the effects they have upon their readers. Word choice is also a clue to the writer’s attitude toward his/her subject – tone.

4. They think about the denotation of a word – its dictionary meaning and the connotation – the implied meanings and associations when choosing words.

5. Denotation is the literal meaning of a word Connotation is adding attitude to a word

6. A word can have positive or negative associations or connotations. Study the following chart.

7. Look at the word pairs, choose the negative and the positive connotation: • Stingy/thrifty • Skinny/thin • Threat/challenge • Arrogant/proud • Fat/portly

8. Here is a sample of a word that has denotative meaning and connotative associations: “She’s my baby.” Denotation infant Connotation girl friend

9. Now let’s try one together: The wordplayercan have two meanings. The soccer goalie was a realplayer. (discuss the denotative meaning)

10. The wordplayercan have two meanings. The soccer goalie was a real player. Denotation: one who plays in a game (discuss the connotative meaning)

11. The wordplayercan have two meanings. The soccer goalie was a real player. Connotation one who uses people

12. The word commitment can have two meanings. The couple has a commitment to each other. Denotation a pledge to do Connotation an emotional connection to another person

13. The wordtightcan have two meanings. The dress she was wearing was reallytight. Denotation fixed firmly in place Connotation good, fantastic, awesome

14. Looking at PICTURES can help YOU better visualize denotation/connotation Which will help you better understand poetry, as it often has denotative AND connotative meanings

15. DENOTATIONis the straight forward or common- sense meaning of a sign. Literally what is actually shown in an image. A red rose is a flower – that is its straight forward meaning or denotation An apple is a fruit we eat-

16. CONNOTATIONis the extra, linked meaning that goes with any sign. The connotations of a sign will be much more personal than the straight forward denotation because they are to do with personal ideas and feelings about it. The connotations will not be the same for everybody.

17. Think about the rose… For romantics a red rose can be a symbol of love. (Think: Beauty and the Beast! That rose symbolized the Beasts’ inability to love) For cynics, a rose may symbolize “thorns” Literally, or denotatively, a red rose is just a flower.

18. Think about the apple… It can be a symbol of health. It can have associated meanings of New York -“The Big Apple”. It can even have stand for sin. Denotatively, the apple is just a fruit!

19. A two step content analysis of pictures. • Denotation. Straightforward reading of what is in the picture. • Connotation. The extra, linked meanings that go with the picture. 1 :- Sky. Sand. Girl. Boy. Donkey. 2:- Beach. Seaside. Holiday. Family holiday. Traditional British holiday. photo courtesy of photolibrary wales www.photolibrarywales.com)

20. Notice how other pictures can have different denotative suggestions but the same connotational suggestions. The connotations for all of these pictures is the same as the previous one- traditional,family holidays. The bright colours, blue skies and smiling faces have connotations of happiness. photos courtesy of photolibrary wales www.photolibrarywales.com)

21. A 2 step content analysis of these images would work in the same way. They both contain similar denotational features : large buildings, street and street lamps but the connotations of the pictures are the same – an inner city; poverty. photos courtesy of photolibrary wales www.photolibrarywales.com)

22. The connotations of these buildings is different from the previous two.. How? We associate skyscrapers with American business… Add two men wearing suits and carrying briefcases and we have extra connotations of a high powered, sophisticated glamorous and successful lifestyle

23. What are the connotations of these images?

24. and these… All very different denotations but similar connotations of countryside. photos courtesy of photolibrary wales www.photolibrarywales.com)

25. EXTENSION TASK: Content analysis of perfume adverts. Find a perfume advert from a magazine/internet: Consider the connotations of everything included in the advert. As well as looking at the main images don’t forget connotational suggestions of: Colour, Expressions, Language, and sometimes the use of celebrities... What idea is connoted about this perfume? Is it represented as being Floral? Oriental? Sexy? Young? French? Romantic? Natural? etc. Who does it appeal to? Example:

26. When reading poetry.. • It is important to understand denotation and connotation because words aren’t always what they seem… • Poets use connotative suggestions to add meaning to their poetry! • This might explain why poetry is sometimes so hard!

27. Think about it… • A Poison Tree- William Blake • Poison: a toxic substance • Connotation: the poison represents something detrimental or “killing” to the body. It drives home the point of how dangerous it is to hold on to anger!

28. Think about it… • “Fireworks” Amy Lowell • Literally, fireworks are a bright exploding object. • The connotation of using fireworks suggests how dangerous and uncontrollable, or explosive, anger and hatred can be!

29. Colors also have connotative meanings: • Red: a color. Connotation? Red often symbolizes blood, anger, hatred, embarrassment. • Green: a color. Connotation? Jealousy • White: a color. Connotation? Innocence, purity, angelic. • Black: a color. Connotation? Death, sickness, bruising. • Blue: a color. Connotation? Sad, depressed, lonely. • Yellow: a color. Connotation? Happiness, sunshine. • Pink: a color. Popular connotation/word association? Breast Cancer Awareness.

30. The End