RSUSSH 2020
IN20-208 A Study of Figurative Language in Academy Award Acceptance Speeches
Presenter: Mr. Vorapon Mahakaew
Rangsit University, Thailand
Abstract
The objective of this research was to analyze the figurative language in the Academy Award acceptance speeches. According to the principles of qualitative investigation, this study applied a descriptive and interpretative method of content analysis (Miles and Huberman, 1994; Strauss and Corbin, 1998). In the study, the source of data comes from the Academy Award acceptance speeches. Thirty-one speeches from 2004 to 2013 have been chosen for the analysis using seven types of figurative language: climax, hyperbole, hypophora, irony, metaphor, oxymoron, and simile. The theoretical concepts that guided the framework of investigation in this study are related to figurative language. The frequencies of the types of figure of speech were then examined and presented in percentage form. The connotations that were interpreted from the figures of speech were derived into common themes. The results revealed that hyperbole is the most found type of figurative language, using 18 times in 16 speeches. Metaphor holds the second spot for using 16 times in 14 speeches while simile is undiscovered. Following the metaphor is irony with 14 times of usage in nine speeches. Moreover, climax, hypophora, and oxymoron are also found in the study.
Citation format:
Mahakaew, V.. (2020). A Study of Figurative Language in Academy Award Acceptance Speeches. Proceeding in RSU International Research Conference, May 1, 2020. Pathum Thani, Thailand.QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Since it is popularly known that figurative language is frequently found in written works, e.g. novels, poems, etc, can you explain why figurative language is frequently used by award winners when delivering a speech?
Dear Mr. PAWARISORN SOMSIN,
Thank you for your question. Here is the possible answer. According to Wise (2013), the quote lines which people remember are mostly used figurative language to create tone to them by taking the words and applying them to other objects or concepts. It does not only make the material more pleased to receive, but also help the argument more convincing. O’Connell states in the interview with Sterne (2015) that it is easier to explain to people in more figurative language than it is to say it in general because when the words are made more artistic and abstract, people will do everything to understand it.
Best regards,
Tony