Denotation & Connotation
Learning Goals:
Understand difference between denotation and connotation
Discover the importance of positive, neutral, and negative connotations for creating meaning, effecting mood, and establishing voice in writing
Understand difference between denotation and connotation
Discover the importance of positive, neutral, and negative connotations for creating meaning, effecting mood, and establishing voice in writing
Definitions:
Denotation: a literal meaning of a word
Connotation: an association (emotional or otherwise) which the word evokes
Denotation: a literal meaning of a word
Connotation: an association (emotional or otherwise) which the word evokes
Discussion: Do car names have connotation? Think of one of you favourite cars - what is its name? What feelings or emotions does that name create? How do companies use connotation to help sell products?
Take a look at this article - what does it make you think about?
http://money.cnn.com/2004/09/07/pf/autos/car_name_decoder/index.htm
Activity 1: Working with Negative Connotation
For each of the underlined adjectives below, write a new word with a more negative connotation: (in your notebook)
a. a youthful attitude
b. an eloquent salesperson
c. a unique approach
d. a glamorous outfit
Activity 2: Working with Positive Connotation
For each of the following sentences, replace the underlined word with a word that has a more positive connotation (in your notebook)
a. John and his friends are fanatical about their band.
b. They are obsessed with making it in the music world.
c. The monotonous beat of the drum and the mournful guitair.
d. On weekends they waste hours putting up posters.
Activity 3: Why it all Matters
Choose any ONE of the following less-than-creative sentences and rewrite it infusing it with words with negative OR positive connotations. You may add as many descriptive words you like - just make sure the negative or positive connotation comes through. Be ready to share your new sentence with the class.
a. John sat in the cafeteria and ate his lunch
b. It was a Friday afternoon when I lost my bike.
c. Waking up in the morning, Sally brushed her hair.
Possible Answers:
1. a. childish b. fast-talking c. odd d. showy
2. a. enthusiastic b. determined c. steady; soulful d. dedicate
3. varies
Take a look at this article - what does it make you think about?
http://money.cnn.com/2004/09/07/pf/autos/car_name_decoder/index.htm
Activity 1: Working with Negative Connotation
For each of the underlined adjectives below, write a new word with a more negative connotation: (in your notebook)
a. a youthful attitude
b. an eloquent salesperson
c. a unique approach
d. a glamorous outfit
Activity 2: Working with Positive Connotation
For each of the following sentences, replace the underlined word with a word that has a more positive connotation (in your notebook)
a. John and his friends are fanatical about their band.
b. They are obsessed with making it in the music world.
c. The monotonous beat of the drum and the mournful guitair.
d. On weekends they waste hours putting up posters.
Activity 3: Why it all Matters
Choose any ONE of the following less-than-creative sentences and rewrite it infusing it with words with negative OR positive connotations. You may add as many descriptive words you like - just make sure the negative or positive connotation comes through. Be ready to share your new sentence with the class.
a. John sat in the cafeteria and ate his lunch
b. It was a Friday afternoon when I lost my bike.
c. Waking up in the morning, Sally brushed her hair.
Possible Answers:
1. a. childish b. fast-talking c. odd d. showy
2. a. enthusiastic b. determined c. steady; soulful d. dedicate
3. varies
Sources:
(Image) "Language Log » In a good way." Language Log. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2012. <http://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=1283>.
(Definitions) "Connotations and Denotations." Le Centre d'écriture - The Writing Centre B. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2012. <http://www.writingcentre.uottawa.ca/
(Activitiy 1&2) Language Power I. Toronto: Gage, 2003. Print.
(Image) "Language Log » In a good way." Language Log. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2012. <http://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=1283>.
(Definitions) "Connotations and Denotations." Le Centre d'écriture - The Writing Centre B. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2012. <http://www.writingcentre.uottawa.ca/
(Activitiy 1&2) Language Power I. Toronto: Gage, 2003. Print.