Foregrounding: Literary Technique

FOREGROUNDING - Thisis a technique used to make certain elements of a textstand out by using linguistic deviation or repetition. It draws attention to specific features, disrupting normal expectations of language use - In literature, foregrounding helps emphasize important themes,...

FOREGROUNDING - Thisis a technique used to make certain elements of a textstand out by using linguistic deviation or repetition. It draws attention to specific features, disrupting normal expectations of language use - In literature, foregrounding helps emphasize important themes, emotions, or ideas by making certain phrases or patterns noticeable.It’s a key technique in poetry, where linguistic choices are often made to enhance meaning. This can involve: Deviation: Breaking conventional language rules,such as unusual syntax, word choices, or grammar. Parallelism: Repetition of structures,sounds, or words to create rhythm or highlight contrast. What are the types of deviation? The types of deviation are grammatical, lexical, phonological,semantic, textual, graphological, dialectal, and also register and historical period. This can also be categorized into internal or external deviation. 1. Grammatical Deviation Breaking the rules of standard grammar,such as syntax (sentence structure) or morphology (word formation). Example: "Him the ball he threw." (Instead of "He threw the ball to him.") 2. Lexical Deviation Using non-standard or coined words that break established vocabulary norms. Example: "Truthiness" (A word coined by comedian Stephen Colbert, meaning the quality of seeming or being felt to be true, even if not necessarily true.) 3. Phonological Deviation Deviation in the sound patterns of a word or phrase, often used in poetry. Example: "Eye rhyme" where words look like they should rhyme but don't, e.g., "love" and "move." 4. Semantic Deviation Deviation from the usual meanings of words or phrases. Example: "I heard the wind scream." (Personification – attributing human qualities to something nonhuman.) 5. Textual Deviation Breaking the norms of text structure or coherence. Example: A story that jumps abruptly between different points of view or time periods without clear transitions. 6. Graphological Deviation Breaking conventional rules of writing such as capitalization, punctuation, or typography. 7. Dialectal Deviation Using a non-standard dialect or regional variety of a language. Example: "We ain't done nothin' wrong!" (instead of the standard "We haven’t done anything wrong.") 8. Register Deviation Using a level of formality or type of language that is inappropriate to the situation or context. Example: "Dear Sir or Madam" in a text message. 9. Historical Period Deviation Using archaic or obsolete language or expressions from another historical period. Example: "Thou art" (instead of "You are") or "methinks" (instead of "I think"). What is internal deviation? - Internal deviation is the break from an author's pattern which has been set up in their work. - In internal deviation, a pattern established within the text is broken, standing out due to its contrast with the rest of the structure. What is external deviation? - External deviation is when the author or poet breaks from the normal conventions of language use. - In external deviation, the text breaks from the conventions of everyday language, creating an effect by drawing attention to its uniqueness or peculiarity.