Literary Language: A Unique Experimentation

Abstract

Literary language is a style or form of language used in literary writing. The intent of this investigation is to disclose how and why literary writers foreground their texts and what meanings and effects are associated with foregrounding, deviation, creativity, Style and aesthetics on literature. This paper therefore appraised the characteristics of the language of literature, with a view to revealing the potency of creativity, style and aesthetics in some African and non-African poems and novels, which in turn portrays the skilfulness and dexterity of literary writers. Specifically, it examined the foregrounded parts of selected literary works; and to achieve this purpose, linguistic benchmarks were applied to these literary works. The descriptive system of data analysis, primary and secondary data collection methods and the foregrounding/deviation theory were employed. This survey therefore revealed that the literary genius contravenes the linguistic norms deliberately because he or she believes that the most proficient means of achieving distinction in writing is the use of distorted and strange forms. Thus, style heightens the language of literature to create a special effect and special meaning to the audience in order to arousing the interest and consciousness of the reader and society at large.

Key Words: Deviation, Foregrounding, Literary Artist, Literature and Stylistics.