Using the Media to Teach Figurative Language

by Jenny Helms

Have you ever watched a show on television and suddenly a fascinating picture was created in your mind due to a beautiful simile uttered by one of the characters? Have you ever listened to the lyrics of a song on the radio and thought that the composer created a powerful song due to the amazing symbolism used?

The media is full of figurative language, and it is right at our fingertips to use to teach literature. What better way to get students interested in and begin to understand figurative language than by using something they spend hours watching and listening to every day?

Find out what kind of music your students listen to and the different shows they watch on television. Videotape a couple of their favorite shows, or tape a couple of their favorite songs from the radio. Before the class views the shows or listens to the music, discuss the different types of figurative language and give the students some examples so that they know what they are looking for in the shows or music. Students may do this activity individually or with a partner. Afterwards, discuss the types of figurative language found and their meaning. This activity not only provides great practice for identifying figurative language but also generates wonderful class discussions. It helps students to see that figurative language is not just used in literature but in every day life as well. Consequently, they may even discover they have been using it themselves and didn’t know it. It gives them a broader understanding of the term "figurative language."

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE REVIEW
Most figurative language is based on comparison of things that are not really alike. They make descriptions clearer and more interesting.

• Similes are direct comparisons. Similes say that one thing is like another. For example, "Her hair looked like a worn-out whiskbroom." (Meaning her hair was a mess). Or, "Her face was as flush as a stoplight." (Meaning her face was red.)

• Metaphors are indirect comparisons. Metaphors state that one thing is another. For example, "My little brother is an accident waiting to happen." (Meaning he is clumsy.)

• Personification is giving nonhuman objects human characteristics. For example, "The old windmill turns its cheek to the anger of the storm" or "My love is a budding flower."

• Exaggeration is used to build up in order to make a point. If you come in out of a heavy rain and say, "I nearly drowned out there!" you really mean that you got very wet.

• Understating says less than you mean. You know a person is very hungry and he says, "I suppose I could use a bit to eat."

NOTE: Due to copyright laws, any television show or song taped for classroom use must be used within 10 school days of the taping. In addition, if a television show is used, it must be taped from a local television channel to remain within the copyright laws.