THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE OF STYLISTICS

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Republic of the Philippines UNIVERSITY OF RIZAL SYSTEM Main Campus Tanay, Rizal www.urs.edu.ph / ursmain@gmail.com URS Tanay- Main Campus Tel: (02) 401-4900 ELS 108: Stylistics | Unit 2 UNIT 2 – LESSON 2 “THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE OF STYLISTICS” TOLETE, MARY ANGELICA SUELA, MARIEL L. BERMUNDO, JOHN KENNETH QUINICOT, MC JOHN GURDSLY

Republic of the Philippines UNIVERSITY OF RIZAL SYSTEM Main Campus Tanay, Rizal www.urs.edu.ph / ursmain@gmail.com URS Tanay- Main Campus Tel: (02) 401-4900 ELS 108: Stylistics | Unit 2 I. Pre-test 1. What do you usually read in a literature class? A. Maps B. Poems and stories C. Math problems D. Science experiments 2. Which of the following is an example of literature? A. Novel B. Recipe C. Receipt D. Bus ticket 3. Which part of a story helps readers imagine what is happening? A. Pictures only B. Words and descriptions C. Numbers D. Tables 4. Why do authors carefully choose their words? A. To make the text meaningful and interesting B. To make the story longer C. To confuse readers D. To reduce the number of pages 5. Which sentence sounds more formal? A. "Hey! What's up?" B. "Good morning. How are you today?" C. "Yo!" D. "See ya!" 6. Which of the following is usually used when writing to a teacher? A. Formal language B. Slang C. Text shortcuts D. Emoji only 7. What do readers usually look for when reading a poem? A. Meaning and feelings B. Prices

Republic of the Philippines UNIVERSITY OF RIZAL SYSTEM Main Campus Tanay, Rizal www.urs.edu.ph / ursmain@gmail.com URS Tanay- Main Campus Tel: (02) 401-4900 ELS 108: Stylistics | Unit 2 C. Directions D. Weather forecast 8. Which of the following can create emotions in a story? A. Word choice B. Phone number C. Page number D. Table of contents 9. Why is it important to understand the language used in a story or poem? A. To better understand its meaning B. To count the words C. To memorize every sentence D. To finish reading quickly 10. When reading literature, what should you pay attention to? A. The words and how they are used B. The color of the paper C. The price of the book D. The number of chapters II. Guided Questions 1. How does the theoretical perspective of stylistics explain the relationship between language choices and the meaning of a literary text? 2. Why is stylistics considered a bridge between linguistics and literary criticism, and how does this perspective help readers analyze texts more objectively? 3. How can the principles of stylistics (Rigorous, Retrievable, and Replicable) improve the interpretation and teaching of literature? III. Ice Breaker Activity Catch Up! Find the Answer! Mechanics 1. Divide the class into 2–4 groups with an equal number of members.

Republic of the Philippines UNIVERSITY OF RIZAL SYSTEM Main Campus Tanay, Rizal www.urs.edu.ph / ursmain@gmail.com URS Tanay- Main Campus Tel: (02) 401-4900 ELS 108: Stylistics | Unit 2 2. Before the game begins, the facilitator will place word cards (possible answers) on the floor. The cards should be spread out randomly. 3. The facilitator will read a question or clue related to the lesson. 4. After the question is read, one representative from each group must quickly look for and pick up the word card that contains the correct answer. 5. The first representative to return with the correct word and raise it earns 1 point for their group. 6. If the first representative chooses the wrong answer, the other groups may continue searching until the correct answer is found. 7. A different representative should participate in each round to encourage teamwork and equal participation. 8. The game continues until all questions have been answered. IV. Lesson Proper THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE OF STYLISTICS ▫ On Teaching the Literature Itself ▫ Stylistics in Second Language Contexts ▫ Principles of Stylistics On Teaching the Literature Itself Pedagogical Stylistics is a theory and teaching approach that applies to the principles of stylistics (the study of language in literature) to the teaching of literary texts. It emphasizes that students should understand literature by closely analyzing the language of the text itself—such as word choice, sentence structure, imagery, symbolism, and figurative language—rather than relying only on summaries, themes, or the author's background. Pedagogical Stylistics combines linguistics and literary criticism. It teaches students to ask not only "What does this text mean?" but also "How does the author's language create that meaning?" Instead of focusing first on: • the author's biography, • historical background,

Republic of the Philippines UNIVERSITY OF RIZAL SYSTEM Main Campus Tanay, Rizal www.urs.edu.ph / ursmain@gmail.com URS Tanay- Main Campus Tel: (02) 401-4900 ELS 108: Stylistics | Unit 2 • or moral lessons, Students first examine the literary text itself by analyzing: • Diction (word choice) • Figurative language • Imagery • Symbolism • Sentence structure (syntax) • Tone • Narrative voice • Sound devices (alliteration, rhyme, repetition) Poem Line "The moon whispered to the lonely sea." Short Story "The old wooden house stood silently beneath the storm." Stylistics in Second Language Contexts 1. Introduction Stylistics is the study of how language is used in different ways to suit specific situations, audiences, and purposes. It examines the choices individuals make when speaking or writing, including word selection, sentence structure, tone, and overall organization. In second language contexts, stylistics extends beyond basic grammar and vocabulary—it centers on using a new language appropriately and effectively across various real-world settings. This report outlines the core concepts of stylistics, explains why it is vital for language learners, addresses common difficulties, and provides practical strategies for developing stylistic competence. 2. What is Stylistics in a Second Language Context? When learning a second language, students typically begin with foundational grammar rules and core vocabulary. Stylistics adds a critical layer: understanding how language dynamically changes based on context. Examples in Action: Informal: Speaking

Republic of the Philippines UNIVERSITY OF RIZAL SYSTEM Main Campus Tanay, Rizal www.urs.edu.ph / ursmain@gmail.com URS Tanay- Main Campus Tel: (02) 401-4900 ELS 108: Stylistics | Unit 2 to a close friend uses simple, relaxed language. Formal: Writing a letter to an employer requires polite, precise language. Narrative: Telling a story relies on descriptive words and flowing sentence structures. Core Dimensions of Stylistics To master stylistic choices, second language learners must navigate three main areas: Dimension Focus Area Lexical Style Choosing the right words for the context Syntactic Style Arranging sentence structure for impact Pragmatic Style Aligning language with social rules and roles 3. Importance of Stylistics for Second Language Learners Developing stylistic skills offers significant advantages for language learners: • Enhanced Communication: Learners can express exact nuances of meaning and prevent misunderstandings. • Social Acceptance: Using a situationally appropriate style helps build natural rapport and positive relationships with native speakers. • Professional Growth: Modern workplaces require distinct language styles for technical reports, business meetings, and professional emails. • Cultural Understanding: Style is deeply intertwined with culture. Learning stylistic variation provides insight into cultural mindsets and social dynamics. • Increased Confidence: Knowing how to adjust language appropriately makes learners feel comfortable and capable in diverse settings. 4. Common Challenges for Second Language Learners frequently encounter obstacles when trying to master stylistic skills: • Limited Real-World Exposure: Textbooks often emphasize standardized language, leaving learners unfamiliar with natural, everyday communication. • Direct Translation Habits: Learners frequently translate stylistic structures directly from their native language, which can sound awkward or incorrect in the target language.

Republic of the Philippines UNIVERSITY OF RIZAL SYSTEM Main Campus Tanay, Rizal www.urs.edu.ph / ursmain@gmail.com URS Tanay- Main Campus Tel: (02) 401-4900 ELS 108: Stylistics | Unit 2 • Cultural Knowledge Gaps: Phrasing that feels polite or friendly in one language can be perceived as overly distant or rude in another. • Over-reliance on One Style: Learners often default to using exclusively formal or informal language across all situations. • Difficulty Assessing Context: It can be challenging for non-native speakers to evaluate the exact level of formality required for specific audiences or events. 5. Strategies to Improve Stylistic Competence Teachers and learners can implement several practical approaches to build strong stylistic skills: a. Expose Learners to Varied Media Incorporate news articles, literary stories, speeches, social media posts, and recordings of natural conversations to highlight diverse styles. b. Conduct Comparative Analyses Demonstrate how a single core message can be rewritten in multiple ways to suit different audiences. c. Practice Context-Based Tasks Assign exercises where learners rewrite the same underlying message for three distinct audiences (e.g., a friend, a professor, and a company executive). d. Explicitly Teach Cultural Norms Clarify how tone, respect, and levels of formality are expressed within the target culture. e. Provide Targeted Feedback Highlight whether a chosen style fits the given scenario and suggests context-appropriate alternatives. f. Encourage Active Observation Guide for learners to actively notice how native speakers modify their speech patterns across different environments. Principles of Stylistics According to Paul Simpson (2014), stylistic analysis follows three basic principles known as the Three Rs. These principles help ensure that an analysis is systematic, objective, and supported by evidence from the text.

Republic of the Philippines UNIVERSITY OF RIZAL SYSTEM Main Campus Tanay, Rizal www.urs.edu.ph / ursmain@gmail.com URS Tanay- Main Campus Tel: (02) 401-4900 ELS 108: Stylistics | Unit 2 1. Rigorous A stylistic analysis should be rigorous. This means the analyst should carefully examine the entire text instead of selecting only examples that support a personal opinion. Every interpretation should be supported with clear evidence taken from the text. Example: Instead of saying that a story is emotional, the analyst should explain which words, phrases, or language features create that emotional effect. 2. Retrievable A stylistic analysis should be retrievable. This means readers should be able to understand how the interpretation was reached. The reasoning and evidence must be clearly explained so that the analysis is transparent and easy to follow. Example: When explaining that a poem creates a feeling of loneliness, the analyst should point to the exact words or expressions that produce that feeling. 3. Replicable A stylistic analysis should be replicable. This means another person using the same stylistic methods and analyzing the same text should be able to arrive at similar conclusions. This makes the analysis reliable and consistent. Example: If two students analyze the same poem using the same stylistic approach, they should identify similar language features and explain similar effects. Importance of the Principles of Stylistics The principles of stylistics make literary analysis more objective and evidence- based. They encourage readers to support their interpretations with language found in the text rather than relying only on personal opinions. As a result, stylistic analysis becomes clear, logical, and open to discussion.

Republic of the Philippines UNIVERSITY OF RIZAL SYSTEM Main Campus Tanay, Rizal www.urs.edu.ph / ursmain@gmail.com URS Tanay- Main Campus Tel: (02) 401-4900 ELS 108: Stylistics | Unit 2 V. Activities (Individual) Directions: Answer each question using one word only. 1. What is the study of language style? __________ 2. What do we use to communicate? __________ 3. Which style is used when talking to a teacher? __________ 4. Which style is used when talking to a friend? __________ 5. What do we call the choice of words? __________ (Groupings) Word Puzzle: Guess the Word by Clue Mechanics 1. Divide the class into 2 groups with an equal number of members. 2. The facilitator will present three clues describing a hidden word. 3. Once all the clues have been given, the groups will have 10–15 seconds to discuss their answer. 4. The first group to raise their hands will be given the chance to answer. 5. If the first group's answer is correct, they earn 1 point. If their answer is incorrect, the next group that raises their hand will have the opportunity to answer. 6. Continue until the correct answer is given, or all groups have had a chance to answer. 7. Repeat the process for all 4 rounds. 8. The group with the highest total score at the end of the game will be declared the winner. VI. Post-test

Republic of the Philippines UNIVERSITY OF RIZAL SYSTEM Main Campus Tanay, Rizal www.urs.edu.ph / ursmain@gmail.com URS Tanay- Main Campus Tel: (02) 401-4900 ELS 108: Stylistics | Unit 2 TRUE or FALSE Direction: Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if it is incorrect. 1. _____ Stylistics is the study of how language is used in different contexts and situations. 2. _____ Stylistics focuses only on grammar and ignores word choice. 3. _____ Formal language is appropriate when writing a letter to an employer. 4. _____ Informal language is commonly used when talking to close friends. 5. _____ Lexical style refers to the choice of words used in communication. 6. _____ Pragmatic style focuses on using language according to social context and audience. 7. _____ One common challenge for second language learners is relying too much on one language style. 8. _____ Reading different types of texts can help improve stylistic competence. 9. _____ Theoretical stylistics encourages learners to use the same style in every situation. 10. _____ Understanding stylistics helps learners communicate more effectively and appropriately. VII. Key to Correction Pre-test Post-test B True A False B True A True B True A True A True A True A False A True