How to analyse textual sources

Right, this is Part 2: Analysing textual sources. =)


The Audience
1. Always remember that texts are written with a specific audience in mind.

2. When evaluating sources, be mindful of the following questions:
- Who is the audience?
Who would be interested in the topic?
Which age group does the audience belong to and what educational background would the
audience have?
- Who is the author?
Who wrote it and what is his or her background? Does his or background reveal any clues?
- When was the source created?
Do the dates reveal any clues?
- Where does the source come from?


Purpose (Ooh, my favourite! "Who said what to who to do what?")
In general there are 3 main ways that text or speech can be analysed.

(a) To inform or report objectively
Purpose: To inform and leave judgements to others

(b) To express something passionately
Purpose: To show and persuade by direct means

(c) To be careful and measured in what we say
Purpose: To be diplomatic and show or persuade by subtle and indirect means



The Linguistic Devices used in Texts and Speeches
In order to analyse textual sources, we sometimes have to analyse the linguistic tools of texts and speeches. This means we have to look at how language is used to reach out to the target audience.

Emotive words
1. In any speech or text, the choice of 'verbs' used sometimes tells you how the speaker or writer feels about a certain subject.
2. If very graphic or emotive verbs are used, they reflect the passionate attitudes of the writers or speakers.

Use of Metaphors
1. Metaphors can also be used to convey emotions.
2. Metaphors are figures of speech which draw comparisons between unlike things. They usually compare 2 things by using the word 'like' or 'as'.

Sarcasm
1. Sarcasm refers to remarks which clearly mean the opposite of what is really intended. They are usually made to belittle somebody or to hurt and criticise a situation or person in an amusing manner.



Ok, that's about it for now. Look out for the third part. =)

Comment away...........