Language Analysis: Audience and Purpose

Chapter: Language Analysis: Audience and Purpose

• Distinguishing Audience: This is a critical aspect of text analysis. Understanding who the message is intended for can illuminate the strategies and techniques employed by the writer. This audience might be specific (e.g., medical professionals) or broader (e.g., general public).

• Purpose of the Text: Determining why a text was written can shed light on its format, tone, and language choices. Was the text created to inform, persuade, entertain, or argue a point? Understanding this can also provide context for the intended audience.

• Adapting Language to Audience: Writers deliberately adjust their language based on perceived audience needs, understanding, and expectations. For instance, an academic paper may utilise complex terminology and concepts, while a children’s story will showcase simple, understandable language.

• Identifying Tone and Style: Different audiences require different tones and styles. An audience of professionals may warrant a formal, authoritative style, while a younger audience could prefer a conversational, engaging tone.

• Using Textual Clues: Sometimes, the audience and purpose aren’t explicitly stated. Look for indirect indications in the text like level of formality, complexity of language, type of information shared, etc.

• Influence of Cultural and Social Context: The societal position and cultural background of the audience may affect the language, style, and content of the text. Knowledge and understanding of these factors can provide additional insight into audience and purpose.

• Language Variations: Pay close attention to variations in language. Dialects, jargon, slang etc. can provide crucial information about the targeted audience.

• Recognising Medium of Text: The medium in which a text is presented can indicate the intended audience and purpose. Compare language use in a newspaper article, a Twitter post, an academic journal, etc.

• Interpreting Imagery and Symbolism: Imagery and symbolism can be used to emphasise a point, evoke an emotional response, or simply to entertain, depending on the audience and purpose.

• Form and Narrative Structure: The organisation of a text can reveal its desired outcome. A persuasive article might present points in order of importance, while a memoir might follow a chronological narrative.

Remember, audience and purpose do not exist in isolation, but rather are intertwined with other aspects of text such as content, language, design and style choices, and more. To perform a comprehensive analysis, make sure to consider these aspects too.